Web material and method for making same

ABSTRACT

A web material containing one or more active agents and methods for making same are provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of prior copendingInternational Application No. PCT/US2011/042644, filed Jun. 30, 2011,designating the U.S., which claims the benefits of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/361,126, filed Jul. 2, 2010, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/361,129, filed Jul. 2, 2010, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/361,146, filed Jul. 2, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to web materials, more particularly to webmaterials comprising one or more active agents, and methods for makingsame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Web materials are known in the art. For example, a polyester nonwoventhat is impregnated and/or coated with a detergent composition is knownin the art as shown in prior art FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in prior artFIGS. 1 and 2, a known nonwoven substrate 10 is made of dissolvablefibers 12 wherein the nonwoven substrate 10 is coated and/or impregnatedwith an additive 14, such as an active agent, rather than the additive14, such as an active agent, being present in the dissolvable fibers 12.An example of such a web material is commercially available as Purex®Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets from The Dial Corporation.

Further, an article of manufacture formed from a cast solution of adetergent composition is also known in the art and is commerciallyavailable as Dizolve® Laundry Sheets commercially available from DizolveGroup Corporation.

However, such known web materials and/or articles of manufacture exhibitnegatives that make them problematic for consumers. For example, theknown web materials and/or articles of manufacture are relatively stiffand/or inflexible as measured by the Plate Stiffness Test Methoddescribed herein. Further, the web materials and/or articles ofmanufacture typically deliver such a low level of detergent compositionand/or detergent actives that the cleaning performance is less thandesired by consumers. Another negative with is that the web materialsand/or articles of manufacture may leave remnants of the web materialand/or articles of manufacture after the washing operation, for examplethe polyester nonwoven substrate does not dissolve during the washingoperation.

In light of the foregoing, it is clear that there is a need for a webmaterial that overcomes the negatives associated with known webmaterials and/or articles of manufacture described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills the need described above by providingnovel web materials.

In one example of the present invention, a web material comprising oneor more active agents, wherein the web material exhibits a basis weightof less than 500 g/m² and/or less than 450 g/m² and/or less than 400g/m² and/or less than 350 g/m² and/or less than 300 g/m² and/or lessthan 250 g/m² and/or less than 200 g/m² as measured by the Basis WeightTest Method described herein is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a web material comprisingone or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibits a thicknessof less than 50 mils and/or less than 40 mils and/or less than 30 milsand/or less than 25 mils and/or less than 20 mils and/or greater than0.01 mils and/or greater than 0.1 mils and/or greater than 1 mil and/orgreater than 2 mils and/or greater than 5 mils as measured by theThickness Test Method described herein is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a web material comprisingone or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibits a thicknessof greater than 0.01 mm and/or greater than 0.05 mm and/or greater than0.1 mm and/or to about 20 mm and/or to about 10 mm and/or to about 5 mmand/or to about 2 mm and/or to about 0.5 mm and/or to about 0.3 mm asmeasured by the Thickness Test Method described herein is providedherein.

In still another example of the present invention, a web materialcomprising one or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibitsa Geometric Mean (GM) Modulus of less than 20,000 g/cm² and/or less than15,000 g/cm² and/or less than 12,000 g/cm² and/or less than 10,000 g/cm²and/or less than 8,000 g/cm² and/or greater than 10 g/cm² and/or greaterthan 50 g/cm² and/or greater than 100 g/cm² and/or greater than 500g/cm² and/or greater than 1,000 g/cm² as measured by the Modulus TestMethod described herein is provided.

In still yet another example of the present invention, a web materialcomprising one or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibitsa Machine Direction (MD) Peak Elongation of greater than 10% and/orgreater than 20% and/or greater than 30% and/or greater than 50% and/orto about 200% and/or to about 100% and/or to about 75% as measuredaccording to the Elongation Test Method described herein is provided.

In still yet another example of the present invention, a web materialcomprising one or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibitsa Cross Machine Direction (CD) Peak Elongation of greater than 10%and/or greater than 20% and/or greater than 30% and/or greater than 50%and/or to about 200% and/or to about 100% and/or to about 75% asmeasured according to the Elongation Test Method described herein isprovided.

In yet another example of the present invention, a web materialcomprising one or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibitsa Dry Burst of less than 5000 g and/or less than 4000 g and/or less than3000 g and/or less than 2500 g and/or less than 2000 g and/or less than1500 g and/or to about 100 g and/or to about 300 g and/or to about 500 gas measured according to the Dry Burst Test Method described herein isprovided.

In even yet another example of the present invention, a web materialcomprising one or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibitsa Density of less than 0.38 g/cm³ and/or less than 0.35 g/cm³ and/orless than 0.33 g/cm³ and/or less than 0.31 g/cm³ and/or less than 28g/cm³ and/or less than 25 g/cm³ as measured according to the DensityTest Method described herein is provided.

In yet another example of the present invention, a web materialcomprising one or more active agents, wherein the web material exhibitsa Plate Stiffness of less than 50 N*mm and/or less than 40 N*mm and/orless than 30 N*mm and/or less than 20 N*mm and/or less than 15 N*mmand/or less than 10 N*mm and/or less than 7 N*mm and/or less than 5 N*mmand/or less than 3 N*mm as measured according to the Plate StiffnessTest Method described herein is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a nonwoven web comprising aplurality of filaments, wherein at least one of the filaments comprisesone or more filament-forming materials and one or more active agentsthat are releasable from the filament when the filament is exposed toconditions of intended use, wherein the total level of the one or morefilament-forming materials present in the filament is 50% or less byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis and thetotal level of the one or more active agents present in the filament is50% or greater by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web materialbasis, is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a nonwoven web comprising aplurality of filaments, wherein at least one of the filaments comprisesone or more filament-forming materials and one or more active agentsthat are releasable from the filament as the filament's morphologychanges, wherein the total level of the one or more filament-formingmaterials present in the filament is less than 65% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis and the total level of theone or more active agents present in the filament is greater than 35% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis, isprovided.

In another example of the present invention, a nonwoven web comprising aplurality of filaments, wherein at least one of the filaments comprisesone or more filament-forming materials and one or more ingestible activeagents that are releasable from the filament upon ingesting by ananimal, wherein the total level of the one or more filament-formingmaterials present in the filament is less than 80% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis and the total level of theone or more active agents present in the filament is greater than 20% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis, isprovided.

In still another example of the present invention, a nonwoven webcomprising a plurality of filaments, wherein at least one of thefilaments comprises one or more filament-forming materials and one ormore non-perfume active agents, wherein the total level of thenon-perfume active agents present in the filament is greater than 35% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis and whereinthe filament releases one or more of the non-perfume active agents whenthe filament is exposed to conditions of intended use, is provided.

Accordingly, the present invention provides web materials and methodsfor making such web materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art nonwoven substratemade of dissolvable fibers that is coated with an additive;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a filament according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an example of a nonwoven webaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an apparatus suitable for makinga filament according to the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a die suitable for spinning afilament according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

“Filament” as used herein means an elongate particulate having a lengthgreatly exceeding its diameter, i.e. a length to diameter ratio of atleast about 10.

The filaments of the present invention may be spun from filament-formingcompositions via suitable spinning processes operations, such asmeltblowing and/or spunbonding.

The filaments of the present invention may be monocomponent and/ormulticomponent. For example, the filaments may comprise bicomponentfilaments. The bicomponent filaments may be in any form, such asside-by-side, core and sheath, islands-in-the-sea and the like.

The filaments of the present invention exhibit a length of greater thanor equal to 5.08 cm (2 in.) and/or greater than or equal to 7.62 cm (3in.) and/or greater than or equal to 10.16 cm (4 in.) and/or greaterthan or equal to 15.24 cm (6 in.).

Filaments are typically considered continuous or substantiallycontinuous in nature. Filaments are relatively longer than fibers (whichare less than 5.08 cm in length). Non-limiting examples of filamentsinclude meltblown and/or spunbond filaments.

In one example, one or more fibers may be formed from a filament of thepresent invention, such as when the filaments are cut to shorter lengths(such as less than 5.08 cm in length). Thus, in one example, the presentinvention also includes a fiber made from a filament of the presentinvention, such as a fiber comprising one or more filament-formingmaterials and one or more additives, such as active agents. Therefore,references to filament and/or filaments of the present invention hereinalso include fibers made from such filament and/or filaments unlessotherwise noted. Fibers are typically considered discontinuous in naturerelative to filaments, which are considered continuous in nature.

“Filament-forming composition” as used herein means a composition thatis suitable for making a filament of the present invention such as bymeltblowing and/or spunbonding. The filament-forming compositioncomprises one or more filament-forming materials that exhibit propertiesthat make them suitable for spinning into a filament. In one example,the filament-forming material comprises a polymer. In addition to one ormore filament-forming materials, the filament-forming composition maycomprise one or more additives, for example one or more active agents.In addition, the filament-forming composition may comprise one or morepolar solvents, such as water, into which one or more, for example all,of the filament-forming materials and/or one or more, for example all,of the active agents are dissolved and/or dispersed.

In one example as shown in FIG. 3 a filament 16 of the present inventionmade from a filament-forming composition of the present invention issuch that one or more additives 18, for example one or more activeagents, may be present in the filament rather than on the filament, suchas a coating as shown in prior art FIGS. 1 and 2. The total level offilament-forming materials and total level of active agents present inthe filament-forming composition may be any suitable amount so long asthe filaments of the present invention are produced therefrom.

In one example, one or more additives, such as active agents, may bepresent in the filament and one or more additional additives, such asactive agents, may be present on a surface of the filament. In anotherexample, a filament of the present invention may comprise one or moreadditives, such as active agents, that are present in the filament whenoriginally made, but then bloom to a surface of the filament prior toand/or when exposed to conditions of intended use of the filament.

“Filament-forming material” as used herein means a material, such as apolymer or monomers capable of producing a polymer that exhibitsproperties suitable for making a filament. In one example, thefilament-forming material comprises one or more substituted polymerssuch as an anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and/or nonionic polymer. Inanother example, the polymer may comprise a hydroxyl polymer, such as apolyvinyl alcohol (“PVOH”) and/or a polysaccharide, such as starchand/or a starch derivative, such as an ethoxylated starch and/oracid-thinned starch. In another example, the polymer may comprisepolyethylenes and/or terephthalates. In yet another example, thefilament-forming material is a polar solvent-soluble material.

“Additive” as used herein means any material present in the filament ofthe present invention that is not a filament-forming material. In oneexample, an additive comprises an active agent. In another example, anadditive comprises a processing aid. In still another example, anadditive comprises a filler. In one example, an additive comprises anymaterial present in the filament that its absence from the filamentwould not result in the filament losing its filament structure, in otherwords, its absence does not result in the filament losing its solidform. In another example, an additive, for example an active agent,comprises a non-polymer material.

In another example, an additive comprises a plasticizer for thefilament. Non-limiting examples of suitable plasticizers for the presentinvention include polyols, copolyols, polycarboxylic acids, polyestersand dimethicone copolyols. Examples of useful polyols include, but arenot limited to, glycerin, diglycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol,butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethanol, hexanediol,2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1,3-diol, polyethylene glycol (200-600),pentaerythritol, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, manitol, lactitol andother mono- and polyhydric low molecular weight alcohols (e.g., C2-C8alcohols); mono di- and oligo-saccharides such as fructose, glucose,sucrose, maltose, lactose, high fructose corn syrup solids, anddextrins, and ascorbic acid.

In one example, the plasticizer includes glycerin and/or propyleneglycol and/or glycerol derivatives such as propoxylated glycerol. Instill another example, the plasticizer is selected from the groupconsisting of glycerin, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, glycidol, urea, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, sugars, ethylenebisformamide, amino acids, and mixtures thereof.

In another example, an additive comprises a crosslinking agent suitablefor crosslinking one or more of the filament-forming materials presentin the filaments of the present invention. In one example, thecrosslinking agent comprises a crosslinking agent capable ofcrosslinking hydroxyl polymers together, for example via the hydroxylpolymers hydroxyl moieties. Non-limiting examples of suitablecrosslinking agents include imidazolidinones, polycarboxylic acids andmixtures thereof. In one example, the crosslinking agent comprises aurea glyoxal adduct crosslinking agent, for example adihydroxyimidazolidinone, such as dihydroxyethylene urea (“DHEU”). Acrosslinking agent can be present in the filament-forming compositionand/or filament of the present invention to control the filament'ssolubility and/or dissolution in a solvent, such as a polar solvent.

In another example, an additive comprises a rheology modifier, such as ashear modifier and/or an extensional modifier. Non-limiting examples ofrheology modifiers include but not limited to polyacrylamide,polyurethanes and polyacrylates that may be used in the filaments of thepresent invention. Non-limiting examples of rheology modifiers arecommercially available from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.).

In yet another example, an additive comprises one or more colors and/ordyes that are incorporated into the filaments of the present inventionto provide a visual signal when the filaments are exposed to conditionsof intended use and/or when an active agent is released from thefilaments and/or when the filament's morphology changes.

In still yet another example, an additive comprises one or more releaseagents and/or lubricants. Non-limiting examples of suitable releaseagents and/or lubricants include fatty acids, fatty acid salts, fattyalcohols, fatty esters, sulfonated fatty acid esters, fatty amineacetates, fatty amide, silicones, aminosilicones, fluoropolymers, andmixtures thereof. In one example, the release agents and/or lubricantsare applied to the filament, in other words, after the filament isformed. In one example, one or more release agents/lubricants areapplied to the filament prior to collecting the filaments on acollection device to form a nonwoven. In another example, one or morerelease agents/lubricants are applied to a nonwoven web formed from thefilaments of the present invention prior to contacting one or morenonwoven webs, such as in a stack of nonwoven webs. In yet anotherexample, one or more release agents/lubricants are applied to thefilament of the present invention and/or nonwoven comprising thefilament prior to the filament and/or nonwoven contacting a surface,such as a surface of equipment used in a processing system so as tofacilitate removal of the filment and/or nonwoven web and/or to avoidlayers of filaments and/or nonwoven webs of the present inventionsticking to one another, even inadvertently. In one example, the releaseagents/lubricants comprise particulates.

In even still yet another example, an additive comprises one or moreanti-blocking and/or detackifying agents. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable anti-blocking and/or detackifying agents include starches,starch derivatives, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinkedcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metallic oxides, calciumcarbonate, talc, mica, and mixtures thereof.

“Conditions of intended use” as used herein means the temperature,physical, chemical, and/or mechanical conditions that a filament of thepresent invention is exposed to when the filament is used for one ormore of its designed purposes. For example, if a filament and/or anonwoven web comprising a filament is designed to be used in a washingmachine for laundry care purposes, the conditions of intended use willinclude those temperature, chemical, physical and/or mechanicalconditions present in a washing machine, including any wash water,during a laundry washing operation. In another example, if a filamentand/or a nonwoven web comprising a filament is designed to be used by ahuman as a shampoo for hair care purposes, the conditions of intendeduse will include those temperature, chemical, physical and/or mechanicalconditions present during the shampooing of the human's hair. Likewise,if a filament and/or nonwoven web comprising a filament is designed tobe used in a dishwashing operation, by hand or by a dishwashing machine,the conditions of intended use will include the temperature, chemical,physical and/or mechanical conditions present in a dishwashing waterand/or dishwashing machine, during the dishwashing operation.

“Active agent” as used herein means an additive that produces anintended effect in an environment external to a filament and/or nonwovenweb comprising the filament of the present, such as when the filament isexposed to conditions of intended use of the filament and/or nonwovenweb comprising the filament. In one example, an active agent comprisesan additive that treats a surface, such as a hard surface (i.e., kitchencountertops, bath tubs, toilets, toilet bowls, sinks, floors, walls,teeth, cars, windows, mirrors, dishes) and/or a soft surface (i.e.,fabric, hair, skin, carpet, crops, plants). In another example, anactive agent comprises an additive that creates a chemical reaction(i.e., foaming, fizzing, coloring, warming, cooling, lathering,disinfecting and/or clarifying and/or chlorinating, such as inclarifying water and/or disinfecting water and/or chlorinating water).In yet another example, an active agent comprises an additive thattreats an environment (i.e., deodorizes, purifies, perfumes air). In oneexample, the active agent is formed in situ, such as during theformation of the filament containing the active agent, for example thefilament may comprise a water-soluble polymer (e.g., starch) and asurfactant (e.g., anionic surfactant), which may create a polymercomplex or coacervate that functions as the active agent used to treatfabric surfaces.

“Treats” as used herein with respect to treating a surface means thatthe active agent provides a benefit to a surface or environment. Treatsincludes regulating and/or immediately improving a surface's orenvironment's appearance, cleanliness, smell, purity and/or feel. In oneexample treating in reference to treating a keratinous tissue (forexample skin and/or hair) surface means regulating and/or immediatelyimproving the keratinous tissue's cosmetic appearance and/or feel. Forinstance, “regulating skin, hair, or nail (keratinous tissue) condition”includes: thickening of skin, hair, or nails (e.g, building theepidermis and/or dermis and/or sub-dermal [e.g., subcutaneous fat ormuscle] layers of the skin, and where applicable the keratinous layersof the nail and hair shaft) to reduce skin, hair, or nail atrophy,increasing the convolution of the dermal-epidermal border (also known asthe rete ridges), preventing loss of skin or hair elasticity (loss,damage and/or inactivation of functional skin elastin) such aselastosis, sagging, loss of skin or hair recoil from deformation;melanin or non-melanin change in coloration to the skin, hair, or nailssuch as under eye circles, blotching (e.g., uneven red coloration dueto, e.g., rosacea) (hereinafter referred to as “red blotchiness”),sallowness (pale color), discoloration caused by telangiectasia orspider vessels, and graying hair.

In another example, treating means removing stains and/or odors fromfabric articles, such as clothes, towels, linens, and/or hard surfaces,such as countertops and/or dishware including pots and pans.

“Personal care active agent,” as used herein, means an active agent thatmay be applied to mammalian keratinous tissue without undue undesirableeffects.

“Keratinous tissue,” as used herein, means keratin-containing layersdisposed as the outermost protective covering of mammals and includes,but is not limited to, skin, hair, scalp and nails.

“Beauty benefit,” as used herein in reference to mammalian keratinoustissue includes, but is not limited to cleansing, sebum inhibition,reducing the oily and/or shiny appearance of skin and/or hair, reducingdryness, itchiness and/or flakiness, reducing skin pore size,exfoliation, desquamation, improving the appearance of the keratinoustissue, conditioning, smoothening, deodorizing skin and/or providingantiperspirant benefits, etc.

“Beauty benefit active agent,” as used herein, refers to an active agentthat can deliver one or more beauty benefits.

“Skin care active agent” as used herein, means an active agent that whenapplied to the skin provides a benefit or improvement to the skin. It isto be understood that skin care active agents are useful not only forapplication to skin, but also to hair, scalp, nails and other mammaliankeratinous tissue.

“Hair care active agent” as used herein, means an active agent that whenapplied to mammalian hair provides a benefit and/or improvement to thehair. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or improvements to hairinclude softness, static control, hair repair, dandruff removal,dandruff resistance, hair coloring, shape retention, hair retention, andhair growth.

“Fabric care active agent” as used herein means an active agent thatwhen applied to fabric provides a benefit and/or improvement to thefabric. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or improvements to fabricinclude cleaning (for example by surfactants), stain removal, stainreduction, wrinkle removal, color restoration, static control, wrinkleresistance, permanent press, wear reduction, wear resistance, pillremoval, pill resistance, soil removal, soil resistance (including soilrelease), shape retention, shrinkage reduction, softness, fragrance,anti-bacterial, anti-viral, odor resistance, and odor removal.

“Dishwashing active agent” as used herein means an active agent thatwhen applied to dishware, glassware, pots, pans, utensils, and/orcooking sheets provides a benefit and/or improvement to the dishware,glassware, plastic items, pots, pans and/or cooking sheets. Non-limitingexample of benefits and/or improvements to the dishware, glassware,plastic items, pots, pans, utensils, and/or cooking sheets include foodand/or soil removal, cleaning (for example by surfactants) stainremoval, stain reduction, grease removal, water spot removal and/orwater spot prevention, glass and metal care, sanitization, shining, andpolishing.

“Hard surface active agent” as used herein means an active agent whenapplied to floors, countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, baths,and/or toilets provides a benefit and/or improvement to the floors,countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, baths, and/or toilets.Non-limiting example of benefits and/or improvements to the floors,countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, baths, and/or toiletsinclude food and/or soil removal, cleaning (for example by surfactants),stain removal, stain reduction, grease removal, water spot removaland/or water spot prevention, limescale removal, disinfection, shining,polishing, and freshening.

“Agricultural active agent” as used herein means an active agent thatwhen applied to crops and/or plants provides a benefit and/orimprovement to the crops and/or plants. For example, insecticides,herbicides, fertilizers, drought resistant agents, are non-limitingexamples of suitable agricultural active agents that may be present inthe filaments of the present invention.

“Ingestible active agent” as used herein means an active agent that issuitable for ingestion and/or consuming by an animal, for example amammal, such as a human, by way of mouth, nose, eyes, ears, skin pores,rectum, vagina, or other orifice or wound (such as delivering an activeagent by wound dressing) in the animal. Non-limiting examples ofingestible active agents include feminine hygiene active agents, babycare active agents, oral care active agents, medicinal active agents,vitamins, dietary active agents (for example delivered in a new foodform), pet care active agents, and mixtures thereof.

“Liquid treatment active agent” as used herein means an active agentthat when applied to a liquid such as water and/or alcohol, provides abenefit and/or improvement to the liquid. For example, chlorine and/orother swimming pool chemicals are non-limiting examples of suitableliquid treatment active agents. In another example, water clarifyingand/or water disinfecting active agents, such as are used in commercialwater filtering and/or water treatment technologies such as PUR® arenon-limiting examples of suitable liquid treatment active agents thatmay be present in the filaments of the present invention. Further, oildispersants and/or oil scavenging agents are non-limiting examples ofother suitable liquid treatment active agents.

“Industrial active agent” as used herein means an active agent thatprovides a benefit within an article of manufacture. For example, glueand/or adhesive to provide bonding between two object, insecticidesincorporated into insulation, such as housing insulation, oxygenscavenging active agents incorporated into packaging for food and/orperishable goods, insect repellants incorporated into articles used byhumans to repel insects, and moisture scavengers incorporated intodesiccants are non-limiting examples of industrial active agents thatmay be present in the filaments of the present invention.

“Weight ratio” as used herein means the weight of filament-formingmaterial (g or %) on a dry weight basis in the filament to the weight ofadditive, such as active agent(s) (g or %) on a dry weight basis in thefilament.

“Hydroxyl polymer” as used herein includes any hydroxyl-containingpolymer that can be incorporated into a filament of the presentinvention, for example as a filament-forming material. In one example,the hydroxyl polymer of the present invention includes greater than 10%and/or greater than 20% and/or greater than 25% by weight hydroxylmoieties.

“Biodegradable” as used herein means, with respect to a material, suchas a filament as a whole and/or a polymer within a filament, such as afilament-forming material, that the filament and/or polymer is capableof undergoing and/or does undergo physical, chemical, thermal and/orbiological degradation in a municipal solid waste composting facilitysuch that at least 5% and/or at least 7% and/or at least 10% of theoriginal filament and/or polymer is converted into carbon dioxide after30 days as measured according to the OECD (1992) Guideline for theTesting of Chemicals 301B; Ready Biodegradability—CO₂ Evolution(Modified Sturm Test) Test incorporated herein by reference.

“Non-biodegradable” as used herein means, with respect to a material,such as a filament as a whole and/or a polymer within a filament, suchas a filament-forming material, that the filament and/or polymer is notcapable of undergoing physical, chemical, thermal and/or biologicaldegradation in a municipal solid waste composting facility such that atleast 5% of the original filament and/or polymer is converted intocarbon dioxide after 30 days as measured according to the OECD (1992)Guideline for the Testing of Chemicals 301B; Ready Biodegradability—CO₂Evolution (Modified Sturm Test) Test incorporated herein by reference.

“Non-thermoplastic” as used herein means, with respect to a material,such as a filament as a whole and/or a polymer within a filament, suchas a filament-forming material, that the filament and/or polymerexhibits no melting point and/or softening point, which allows it toflow under pressure, in the absence of a plasticizer, such as water,glycerin, sorbitol, urea and the like.

“Non-thermoplastic, biodegradable filament” as used herein means afilament that exhibits the properties of being biodegradable andnon-thermoplastic as defined above.

“Non-thermoplastic, non-biodegradable filament” as used herein means afilament that exhibits the properties of being non-biodegradable andnon-thermoplastic as defined above.

“Thermoplastic” as used herein means, with respect to a material, suchas a filament as a whole and/or a polymer within a filament, such as afilament-forming material, that the filament and/or polymer exhibits amelting point and/or softening point at a certain temperature, whichallows it to flow under pressure, in the absence of a plasticizer

“Thermoplastic, biodegradable filament” as used herein means a filamentthat exhibits the properties of being biodegradable and thermoplastic asdefined above.

“Thermoplastic, non-biodegradable filament” as used herein means afilament that exhibits the properties of being non-biodegradable andthermoplastic as defined above.

“Non-cellulose-containing” as used herein means that less than 5% and/orless than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.1% and/or 0% byweight of cellulose polymer, cellulose derivative polymer and/orcellulose copolymer is present in filament. In one example,“non-cellulose-containing” means that less than 5% and/or less than 3%and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.1% and/or 0% by weight ofcellulose polymer is present in filament.

“Polar solvent-soluble material” as used herein means a material that ismiscible in a polar solvent. In one example, a polar solvent-solublematerial is miscible in alcohol and/or water. In other words, a polarsolvent-soluble material is a material that is capable of forming astable (does not phase separate for greater than 5 minutes after formingthe homogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with a polar solvent,such as alcohol and/or water at ambient conditions.

“Alcohol-soluble material” as used herein means a material that ismiscible in alcohol. In other words, a material that is capable offorming a stable (does not phase separate for greater than 5 minutesafter forming the homogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with analcohol at ambient conditions.

“Water-soluble material” as used herein means a material that ismiscible in water. In other words, a material that is capable of forminga stable (does not separate for greater than 5 minutes after forming thehomogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with water at ambientconditions.

“Non-polar solvent-soluble material” as used herein means a materialthat is miscible in a non-polar solvent. In other words, a non-polarsolvent-soluble material is a material that is capable of forming astable (does not phase separate for greater than 5 minutes after formingthe homogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with a non-polar solvent.

“Ambient conditions” as used herein means 73° F.±4° F. (about 23°C.±2.2° C.) and a relative humidity of 50%±10%.

“Weight average molecular weight” as used herein means the weightaverage molecular weight as determined using gel permeationchromatography according to the protocol found in Colloids and SurfacesA. Physico Chemical & Engineering Aspects, Vol. 162, 2000, pg. 107-121.

“Length” as used herein, with respect to a filament, means the lengthalong the longest axis of the filament from one terminus to the otherterminus. If a filament has a kink, curl or curves in it, then thelength is the length along the entire path of the filament.

“Diameter” as used herein, with respect to a filament, is measuredaccording to the Diameter Test Method described herein. In one example,a filament of the present invention exhibits a diameter of less than 100μm and/or less than 75 μm and/or less than 50 μm and/or less than 25 μmand/or less than 20 μm and/or less than 15 μm and/or less than 10 μmand/or less than 6 μm and/or greater than 1 μm and/or greater than 3 μm.

“Triggering condition” as used herein in one example means anything, asan act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitatesa change in the filament, such as a loss or altering of the filament'sphysical structure and/or a release of an additive, such as an activeagent. In another example, the triggering condition may be present in anenvironment, such as water, when a filament and/or nonwoven web and/orfilm of the present invention is added to the water. In other words,nothing changes in the water except for the fact that the filamentand/or nonwoven and/or film of the present invention is added to thewater.

“Morphology changes” as used herein with respect to a filament'smorphology changing means that the filament experiences a change in itsphysical structure. Non-limiting examples of morphology changes for afilament of the present invention include dissolution, melting,swelling, shrinking, breaking into pieces, exploding, lengthening,shortening, and combinations thereof. The filaments of the presentinvention may completely or substantially lose their filament physicalstructure or they may have their morphology changed or they may retainor substantially retain their filament physical structure as they areexposed to conditions of intended use.

“By weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis” meansthat the weight of the filament and/or web material measured immediatelyafter the filament and/or web material has been conditioned in aconditioned room at a temperature of 73° F.±4° F. (about 23° C.±2.2° C.)and a relative humidity of 50%±10% for 2 hours. In one example, “byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis” means thatthe filament and/or web material comprises less than 20% and/or lessthan 15% and/or less than 10% and/or less than 7% and/or less than 5%and/or less than 3% and/or to 0% and/or to greater than 0% based on theweight of the filament and/or web material of moisture, such as water,for example free water, as measured according to the Water Content TestMethod described herein.

“Total level” as used herein, for example with respect to the totallevel of one or more active agents present in the filament and/or webmaterial, means the sum of the weights or weight percent of all of thesubject materials, for example active agents. In other words, a filamentand/or web material may comprise 25% by weight on a dry filament basisand/or dry web material basis of an anionic surfactant, 15% by weight ona dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis of a nonionicsurfactant, 10% by weight of a chelant, and 5% of a perfume so that thetotal level of active agents present in the filament is greater than50%; namely 55% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry webmaterial basis.

“Web material” as used herein means a solid form, for example arectangular solid, sometimes referred to as a sheet.

“Web” as used herein means a collection of formed fibers and/orfilaments, such as a fibrous structure, and/or a web material formed offibers and/or filaments, such as continuous filaments, of any nature ororigin associated with one another. In one example, the web is arectangular solid comprising fibers and/or filaments that is formed viaa spinning process, not a casting process.

“Nonwoven web” for purposes of the present invention as used herein andas defined generally by European Disposables and Nonwovens Association(EDANA) means a sheet of fibers and/or filaments, such as continuousfilaments, of any nature or origin, that have been formed into a web byany means, and may be bonded together by any means, with the exceptionof weaving or knitting. Felts obtained by wet milling are not nonwovenwebs. In one example, a nonwoven web according to the present inventionmeans an orderly arrangement of filaments within a structure in order toperform a function. In one example, a nonwoven web of the presentinvention is an arrangement comprising a plurality of two or more and/orthree or more filaments that are inter-entangled or otherwise associatedwith one another to form a nonwoven web. In one example, the nonwovenweb of the present invention may comprise, in addition to the filamentsof the present invention, one or more solid additives, such asparticulates and/or fibers.

“Particulates” as used herein means granular substances and/or powders.In one example, the filaments and/or fibers can be converted intopowders.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” when used herein, for example,“an anionic surfactant” or “a fiber” is understood to mean one or moreof the material that is claimed or described.

All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwiseindicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the totalcomposition unless otherwise indicated.

Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are inreference to the active level of that component or composition, and areexclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products,which may be present in commercially available sources.

Filament

The filament of the present invention comprises one or morefilament-forming materials. In addition to the filament-formingmaterials, the filament may further comprise one or more active agentsthat are releasable from the filament, such as when the filament isexposed to conditions of intended use, wherein the total level of theone or more filament-forming materials present in the filament is lessthan 80% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basisand the total level of the one or more active agents present in thefilament is greater than 20% by weight on a dry filament basis and/ordry web material basis, is provided.

In one example, the filament of the present invention comprises about100% and/or greater than 95% and/or greater than 90% and/or greater than85% and/or greater than 75% and/or greater than 50% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis of one or morefilament-forming materials. For example, the filament-forming materialmay comprise polyvinyl alcohol and/or starch.

In another example, the filament of the present invention comprises oneor more filament-forming materials and one or more active agents whereinthe total level of filament-forming materials present in the filament isfrom about 5% to less than 80% by weight on a dry filament basis and/ordry web material basis and the total level of active agents present inthe filament is greater than 20% to about 95% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis.

In one example, the filament of the present invention comprises at least10% and/or at least 15% and/or at least 20% and/or less than less than80% and/or less than 75% and/or less than 65% and/or less than 60%and/or less than 55% and/or less than 50% and/or less than 45% and/orless than 40% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web materialbasis of the filament-forming materials and greater than 20% and/or atleast 35% and/or at least 40% and/or at least 45% and/or at least 50%and/or at least 60% and/or less than 95% and/or less than 90%© and/orless than 85% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 75% by weight on adry filament basis and/or dry web material basis of active agents.

In one example, the filament of the present invention comprises at least5% and/or at least 10% and/or at least 15% and/or at least 20% and/orless than 50% and/or less than 45% and/or less than 40% and/or less than35% and/or less than 30% and/or less than 25% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis of the filament-formingmaterials and greater than 50% and/or at least 55% and/or at least 60%and/or at least 65% and/or at least 70% and/or less than 95% and/or lessthan 90% and/or less than 85% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 75%by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis ofactive agents. In one example, the filament of the present inventioncomprises greater than 80% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dryweb material basis of active agents.

In another example, the one or more filament-forming materials andactive agents are present in the filament at a weight ratio of totallevel of filament-forming materials to active agents of 4.0 or lessand/or 3.5 or less and/or 3.0 or less and/or 2.5 or less and/or 2.0 orless and/or 1.85 or less and/or less than 1.7 and/or less than 1.6and/or less than 1.5 and/or less than 1.3 and/or less than 1.2 and/orless than 1 and/or less than 0.7 and/or less than 0.5 and/or less than0.4 and/or less than 0.3 and/or greater than 0.1 and/or greater than0.15 and/or greater than 0.2.

In still another example, the filament of the present inventioncomprises from about 10% and/or from about 15% to less than 80% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis of afilament-forming material, such as polyvinyl alcohol polymer and/or astarch polymer, and greater than 20% to about 90% and/or to about 85% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis of anactive agent. The filament may further comprise a plasticizer, such asglycerin and/or pH adjusting agents, such as citric acid.

In yet another example, the filament of the present invention comprisesfrom about 10% and/or from about 15% to less than 80% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis of a filament-formingmaterial, such as polyvinyl alcohol polymer and/or a starch polymer, andgreater than 20% to about 90% and/or to about 85% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis of an active agent, whereinthe weight ratio of filament-forming material to active agent is 4.0 orless. The filament may further comprise a plasticizer, such as glycerinand/or pH adjusting agents, such as citric acid.

In even another example of the present invention, a filament comprisesone or more filament-forming materials and one or more active agentsselected from the group consisting of: enzymes, bleaching agents,builder, chelants, sensates, dispersants, and mixtures thereof that arereleasable and/or released when the filament is exposed to conditions ofintended use. In one example, the filament comprises a total level offilament forming materials of less than 95% and/or less than 90% and/orless than 80% and/or less than 50% and/or less than 35% and/or to about5% and/or to about 10% and/or to about 20% by weight on a dry filamentbasis and/or dry web material basis and a total level of active agentsselected from the group consisting of: enzymes, bleaching agents,builder, chelants, and mixtures thereof of greater than 5% and/orgreater than 10% and/or greater than 20% and/or greater than 35% and/orgreater than 50% and/or greater than 65% and/or to about 95% and/or toabout 90% and/or to about 80% by weight on a dry filament basis and/ordry web material basis. In one example, the active agent comprises oneor more enzymes. In another example, the active agent comprises one ormore bleaching agents. In yet another example, the active agentcomprises one or more builders. In still another example, the activeagent comprises one or more chelants.

In yet another example of the present invention, the filaments of thepresent invention may comprise active agents that may create healthand/or safety concerns if they become airborne. For example, thefilament may be used to inhibit enzymes within the filament frombecoming airborne.

In one example, the filaments of the present invention may be meltblownfilaments. In another example, the filaments of the present inventionmay be spunbond filaments. In another example, the filaments may behollow filaments prior to and/or after release of one or more of itsactive agents.

The filaments of the present invention may be hydrophilic orhydrophobic. The filaments may be surface treated and/or internallytreated to change the inherent hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties ofthe filament.

In one example, the filament exhibits a diameter of less than 100 μmand/or less than 75 μm and/or less than 50 μm and/or less than 25 μmand/or less than 10 μm and/or less than 5 μm and/or less than 1 μm asmeasured according to the Diameter Test Method described herein. Inanother example, the filament of the present invention exhibits adiameter of greater than 1 μm as measured according to the Diameter TestMethod described herein. The diameter of a filament of the presentinvention may be used to control the rate of release of one or moreactive agents present in the filament and/or the rate of loss and/oraltering of the filament's physical structure.

The filament may comprise two or more different active agents. In oneexample, the filament comprises two or more different active agents,wherein the two or more different active agents are compatible with oneanother. In another example, the filament comprises two or moredifferent active agents, wherein the two or more different active agentsare incompatible with one another.

In one example, the filament may comprise an active agent within thefilament and an active agent on an external surface of the filament,such as coating on the filament. The active agent on the externalsurface of the filament may be the same or different from the activeagent present in the filament. If different, the active agents may becompatible or incompatible with one another.

In one example, one or more active agents may be uniformly distributedor substantially uniformly distributed throughout the filament. Inanother example, one or more active agents may be distributed asdiscrete regions within the filament. In still another example, at leastone active agent is distributed uniformly or substantially uniformlythroughout the filament and at least another active agent is distributedas one or more discrete regions within the filament. In still yetanother example, at least one active agent is distributed as one or morediscrete regions within the filament and at least another active agentis distributed as one or more discrete regions different from the firstdiscrete regions within the filament.

The filaments may be used as discrete articles. In one example, thefilaments may be applied to and/or deposited on a carrier substrate, forexample a wipe, paper towel, bath tissue, facial tissue, sanitarynapkin, tampon, diaper, adult incontinence article, washcloth, dryersheet, laundry sheet, laundry bar, dry cleaning sheet, netting, filterpaper, fabrics, clothes, undergarments, and the like.

In addition, a plurality of the filaments of the present invention maybe collected and pressed into a film thus resulting in the filmcomprising the one or more filament-forming materials and the one ormore active agents that are releasable from the film, such as when thefilm is exposed to conditions of intended use.

In one example, a film of the present invention exhibits an averagedisintegration time per g of sample of less than 120 and/or less than100 and/or less than 80 and/or less than 55 and/or less than 50 and/orless than 40 and/or less than 30 and/or less than 20 seconds/gram (s/g)as measured according to the Dissolution Test Method described herein.

In another example, a film of the present invention exhibits an averagedissolution time per g of sample of less than 950 and/or less than 900and/or less than 800 and/or less than 700 and/or less than 600 and/orless than 550 seconds/gram (s/g) as measured according to theDissolution Test Method described herein.

In one example, a film of the present invention exhibits a thickness ofgreater than 0.01 mm and/or greater than 0.05 mm and/or greater than 0.1mm and/or to about 20 mm and/or to about 10 mm and/or to about 5 mmand/or to about 2 mm and/or to about 0.5 mm and/or to about 0.3 mm asmeasured by the Thickness Test Method described herein.

Filament-Forming Material

The filament-foi iing material is any suitable material, such as apolymer or monomers capable of producing a polymer that exhibitsproperties suitable for making a filament, such as by a spinningprocess.

In one example, the filament-forming material may comprise a polarsolvent-soluble material, such as an alcohol-soluble material and/or awater-soluble material.

In another example, the filament-forming material may comprise anon-polar solvent-soluble material.

In still another example, the filament forming material may comprise apolar solvent-soluble material and be free (less than 5% and/or lessthan 3% and/or less than 1% and/or 0% by weight on a dry filament basisand/or dry web material basis) of non-polar solvent-soluble materials.

In yet another example, the filament-forming material may be afilm-forming material. In still yet another example, thefilament-forming material may be synthetic or of natural origin and itmay be chemically, enzymatically, and/or physically modified.

In even another example of the present invention, the filament-formingmaterial may comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of:polymers derived from acrylic monomers such as the ethylenicallyunsaturated carboxylic monomers and ethylenically unsaturated monomers,polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, copolymers ofacrylic acid and methyl acrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyalkyleneoxides, starch and starch derivatives, pullulan, gelatin,hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, methycelluloses, andcarboxymethycelluloses.

In still another example, the filament-forming material may comprises apolymer selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, starch, starch derivatives, cellulosederivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, sodiumalginate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, chitosan, chitosan derivatives,polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

In another example, the filament-forming material comprises a polymer isselected from the group consisting of: pullulan, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, xanthan gum,tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, Arabic gum, polyacrylic acid,methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, dextrin, pectin,chitin, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein,casein, polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch derivatives, hemicellulose,hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, chitosan, chitosan derivatives,polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, hydroxymethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

Polar Solvent-Soluble Materials

Non-limiting examples of polar solvent-soluble materials include polarsolvent-soluble polymers. The polar solvent-soluble polymers may besynthetic or natural original and may be chemically and/or physicallymodified. In one example, the polar solvent-soluble polymers exhibit aweight average molecular weight of at least 10,000 g/mol and/or at least20,000 g/mol and/or at least 40,000 g/mol and/or at least 80,000 g/moland/or at least 100,000 g/mol and/or at least 1,000,000 g/mol and/or atleast 3,000,000 g/mol and/or at least 10,000,000 g/mol and/or at least20,000,000 g/mol and/or to about 40,000,000 g/mol and/or to about30,000,000 g/mol.

In one example, the polar solvent-soluble polymers are selected from thegroup consisting of: alcohol-soluble polymers, water-soluble polymersand mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble polymersinclude water-soluble hydroxyl polymers, water-soluble thermoplasticpolymers, water-soluble biodegradable polymers, water-solublenon-biodegradable polymers and mixtures thereof. In one example, thewater-soluble polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol. In another example,the water-soluble polymer comprises starch. In yet another example, thewater-soluble polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol and starch.

a. Water-soluble Hydroxyl Polymers—Non-limiting examples ofwater-soluble hydroxyl polymers in accordance with the present inventioninclude polyols, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcoholderivatives, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, starch, starch derivatives,starch copolymers, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, chitosan copolymers,cellulose derivatives such as cellulose ether and ester derivatives,cellulose copolymers, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives,hemicellulose copolymers, gums, arabinans, galactans, proteins andvarious other polysaccharides and mixtures thereof.

In one example, a water-soluble hydroxyl polymer of the presentinvention comprises a polysaccharide.

“Polysaccharides” as used herein means natural polysaccharides andpolysaccharide derivatives and/or modified polysaccharides. Suitablewater-soluble polysaccharides include, but are not limited to, starches,starch derivatives, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, cellulosederivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, gums, arabinans,galactans and mixtures thereof. The water-soluble polysaccharide mayexhibit a weight average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about40,000,000 g/mol and/or greater than 100,000 g/mol and/or greater than1,000,000 g/mol and/or greater than 3,000,000 g/mol and/or greater than3,000,000 to about 40,000,000 g/mol.

The water-soluble polysaccharides may comprise non-cellulose and/ornon-cellulose derivative and/or non-cellulose copolymer water-solublepolysaccharides. Such non-cellulose water-soluble polysaccharides may beselected from the group consisting of: starches, starch derivatives,chitosan, chitosan derivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulosederivatives, gums, arabinans, galactans and mixtures thereof.

In another example, a water-soluble hydroxyl polymer of the presentinvention comprises a non-thermoplastic polymer.

The water-soluble hydroxyl polymer may have a weight average molecularweight of from about 10,000 g/mol to about 40,000,000 g/mol and/orgreater than 100,000 g/mol and/or greater than 1,000,000 g/mol and/orgreater than 3,000,000 g/mol and/or greater than 3,000,000 g/mol toabout 40,000,000 g/mol. Higher and lower molecular weight water-solublehydroxyl polymers may be used in combination with hydroxyl polymershaving a certain desired weight average molecular weight.

Well known modifications of water-soluble hydroxyl polymers, such asnatural starches, include chemical modifications and/or enzymaticmodifications. For example, natural starch can be acid-thinned,hydroxy-ethylated, hydroxy-propylated, and/or oxidized. In addition, thewater-soluble hydroxyl polymer may comprise dent corn starch.

Naturally occurring starch is generally a mixture of linear amylose andbranched amylopectin polymer of D-glucose units. The amylose is asubstantially linear polymer of D-glucose units joined by (1,4)-α-Dlinks. The amylopectin is a highly branched polymer of D-glucose unitsjoined by (1,4)-α-D links and (1,6)-α-D links at the branch points.Naturally occurring starch typically contains relatively high levels ofamylopectin, for example, corn starch (64-80% amylopectin), waxy maize(93-100% amylopectin), rice (83-84% amylopectin), potato (about 78%amylopectin), and wheat (73-83% amylopectin). Though all starches arepotentially useful herein, the present invention is most commonlypracticed with high amylopectin natural starches derived fromagricultural sources, which offer the advantages of being abundant insupply, easily replenishable and inexpensive.

As used herein, “starch” includes any naturally occurring unmodifiedstarches, modified starches, synthetic starches and mixtures thereof, aswell as mixtures of the amylose or amylopectin fractions; the starch maybe modified by physical, chemical, or biological processes, orcombinations thereof. The choice of unmodified or modified starch forthe present invention may depend on the end product desired. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the starch or starch mixture usefulin the present invention has an amylopectin content from about 20% toabout 100%, more typically from about 40% to about 90%, even moretypically from about 60% to about 85% by weight of the starch ormixtures thereof.

Suitable naturally occurring starches can include, but are not limitedto, corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, wheat starch, sagopalm starch, tapioca starch, rice starch, soybean starch, arrow rootstarch, amioca starch, bracken starch, lotus starch, waxy maize starch,and high amylose corn starch. Naturally occurring starches particularly,corn starch and wheat starch, are the preferred starch polymers due totheir economy and availability.

Polyvinyl alcohols herein can be grafted with other monomers to modifyits properties. A wide range of monomers has been successfully graftedto polyvinyl alcohol. Non-limiting examples of such monomers includevinyl acetate, styrene, acrylamide, acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, methyl methacrylate,methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, sodium vinylsulfonate,sodium allylsulfonate, sodium methylallyl sulfonate, sodiumphenylallylether sulfonate, sodium phenylmethallylether sulfonate,2-acrylamido-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPs), vinylidene chloride,vinyl chloride, vinyl amine and a variety of acrylate esters.

In one example, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer is selected from thegroup consisting of: polyvinyl alcohols, hydroxymethylcelluloses,hydroxyethylcelluloses, hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses and mixturesthereof. A non-limiting example of a suitable polyvinyl alcohol includesthose commercially available from Sekisui Specialty Chemicals America,LLC (Dallas, Tex.) under the CELVOL® trade name. A non-limiting exampleof a suitable hydroxypropylmethylcellulose includes those commerciallyavailable from the Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) under theMETHOCEL® trade name including combinations with above mentionedhydroxypropylmethylcelluloses.

b. Water-soluble Thermoplastic Polymers—Non-limiting examples ofsuitable water-soluble thermoplastic polymers include thermoplasticstarch and/or starch derivatives, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate,polycaprolactone, polyesteramides and certain polyesters, and mixturesthereof.

The water-soluble thermoplastic polymers of the present invention may behydrophilic or hydrophobic. The water-soluble thermoplastic polymers maybe surface treated and/or internally treated to change the inherenthydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of the thermoplastic polymer.

The water-soluble thermoplastic polymers may comprise biodegradablepolymers.

Any suitable weight average molecular weight for the thermoplasticpolymers may be used. For example, the weight average molecular weightfor a thermoplastic polymer in accordance with the present invention isgreater than about 10,000 g/mol and/or greater than about 40,000 g/moland/or greater than about 50,000 g/mol and/or less than about 500,000g/mol and/or less than about 400,000 g/mol and/or less than about200,000 g/mol.

Non-Polar Solvent-Soluble Materials

Non-limiting examples of non-polar solvent-soluble materials includenon-polar solvent-soluble polymers. Non-limiting examples of suitablenon-polar solvent-soluble materials include cellulose, chitin, chitinderivatives, polyolefins, polyesters, copolymers thereof, and mixturesthereof. Non-limiting examples of polyolefins include polypropylene,polyethylene and mixtures thereof. A non-limiting example of a polyesterincludes polyethylene terephthalate.

The non-polar solvent-soluble materials may comprise a non-biodegradablepolymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene and certain polyesters.

Any suitable weight average molecular weight for the thermoplasticpolymers may be used. For example, the weight average molecular weightfor a thermoplastic polymer in accordance with the present invention isgreater than about 10,000 g/mol and/or greater than about 40,000 g/moland/or greater than about 50,000 g/mol and/or less than about 500,000g/mol and/or less than about 400,000 g/mol and/or less than about200,000 g/mol.

Active Agents

Active agents are a class of additives that are designed and intended toprovide a benefit to something other than the filament itself, such asproviding a benefit to an environment external to the filament. Activeagents may be any suitable additive that produces an intended effectunder intended use conditions of the filament. For example, the activeagent may be selected from the group consisting of: personal cleansingand/or conditioning agents such as hair care agents such as shampooagents and/or hair colorant agents, hair conditioning agents, skin careagents, sunscreen agents, and skin conditioning agents; laundry careand/or conditioning agents such as fabric care agents, fabricconditioning agents, fabric softening agents, fabric anti-wrinklingagents, fabric care anti-static agents, fabric care stain removalagents, soil release agents, dispersing agents, suds suppressing agents,suds boosting agents, anti-foam agents, and fabric refreshing agents;liquid and/or powder dishwashing agents (for hand dishwashing and/orautomatic dishwashing machine applications), hard surface care agents,and/or conditioning agents and/or polishing agents; other cleaningand/or conditioning agents such as antimicrobial agents, perfume,bleaching agents (such as oxygen bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide,percarbonate bleaching agents, perborate bleaching agents, chlorinebleaching agents), bleach activating agents, chelating agents, builders,lotions, brightening agents, air care agents, carpet care agents, dyetransfer-inhibiting agents, water-softening agents, water-hardeningagents, pH adjusting agents, enzymes, flocculating agents, effervescentagents, preservatives, cosmetic agents, make-up removal agents,lathering agents, deposition aid agents, coacervate-forming agents,clays, thickening agents, latexes, silicas, drying agents, odor controlagents, antiperspirant agents, cooling agents, warming agents, absorbentgel agents, anti-inflammatory agents, dyes, pigments, acids, and bases;liquid treatment active agents; agricultural active agents; industrialactive agents; ingestible active agents such as medicinal agents, teethwhitening agents, tooth care agents, mouthwash agents, periodontal gumcare agents, edible agents, dietary agents, vitamins, minerals;water-treatment agents such as water clarifying and/or waterdisinfecting agents, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of suitable cosmetic agents, skin care agents,skin conditioning agents, hair care agents, and hair conditioning agentsare described in CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, TheCosmetic, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association, Inc. 1988, 1992.

One or more classes of chemicals may be useful for one or more of theactive agents listed above. For example, surfactants may be used for anynumber of the active agents described above. Likewise, bleaching agentsmay be used for fabric care, hard surface cleaning, dishwashing and eventeeth whitening. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the active agents will be selected based upon thedesired intended use of the filament and/or nonwoven made therefrom.

For example, if the filament of the present invention and/or nonwovenmade therefrom is to be used for hair care and/or conditioning then oneor more suitable surfactants, such as a lathering surfactant could beselected to provide the desired benefit to a consumer when exposed toconditions of intended use of the filament and/or nonwoven incorporatingthe filament.

In one example, if the filament of the present invention and/or nonwovenmade therefrom is designed or intended to be used for laundering clothesin a laundry operation, then one or more suitable surfactants and/orenzymes and/or builders and/or perfumes and/or suds suppressors and/orbleaching agents could be selected to provide the desired benefit to aconsumer when exposed to conditions of intended use of the filamentand/or nonwoven incorporating the filament. In another example, if thefilament of the present invention and/or nonwoven made therefrom isdesigned to be used for laundering clothes in a laundry operation and/orcleaning dishes in a dishwashing operation, then the filament maycomprise a laundry detergent composition or dishwashing detergentcomposition.

In one example, the active agent comprises a non-perfume active agent.In another example, the active agent comprises a non-surfactant activeagent. In still another example, the active agent comprises anon-ingestible active agent, in other words an active agent other thanan ingestible active agent.

Surfactants

Non-limiting examples of suitable surfactants include anionicsurfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, zwitterionicsurfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof.Co-surfactants may also be included in the filaments. For filamentsdesigned for use as laundry detergents and/or dishwashing detergents,the total level of surfactants should be sufficient to provide cleaningincluding stain and/or odor removal, and generally ranges from about0.5% to about 95%. Further, surfactant systems comprising two or moresurfactants that are designed for use in filaments for laundrydetergents and/or dishwashing detergents may include all-anionicsurfactant systems, mixed-type surfactant systems comprisinganionic-nonionic surfactant mixtures, or nonionic-cationic surfactantmixtures or low-foaming nonionic surfactants.

The surfactants herein can be linear or branched. In one example,suitable linear surfactants include those derived from agrochemical oilssuch as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, or othervegetable-based oils.

a. Anionic Surfactants

Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactants include alkylsulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, branched alkyl sulfates, branched alkylalkoxylates, branched alkyl alkoxylate sulfates, mid-chain branchedalkyl aryl sulfonates, sulfated monoglycerides, sulfonated olefins,alkyl aryl sulfonates, primary or secondary alkane sulfonates, alkylsulfosuccinates, acyl taurates, acyl isethionates, alkyl glycerylethersulfonate, sulfonated methyl esters, sulfonated fatty acids, alkylphosphates, acyl glutamates, acyl sarcosinates, alkyl sulfoacetates,acylated peptides, alkyl ether carboxylates, acyl lactylates, anionicfluorosurfactants, sodium lauroyl glutamate, and combinations thereof.

Alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates suitable for use herein includematerials with the respective formula ROSO₃M and RO(C₂H₄O)_(x)SO₃M,wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl of from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms,x is 1 to 10, and M is a water-soluble cation such as ammonium, sodium,potassium and triethanolamine. Other suitable anionic surfactants aredescribed in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North AmericanEdition (1986), Allured Publishing Corp. and McCutcheon's, FunctionalMaterials, North American Edition (1992), Allured Publishing Corp.

In one example, anionic surfactants useful in the filaments of thepresent invention include C₉-C₁₅ alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), C₈-C₂₀alkyl ether sulfates, for example alkyl poly(ethoxy) sulfates, C₈-C₂₀alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Other anionic surfactants includemethyl ester sulfonates (MES), secondary alkane sulfonates, methyl esterethoxylates (MEE), sulfonated estolides, and mixtures thereof.

In another example, the anionic surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of: C₁₁-C₁₈ alkyl benzene sulfonates (“LAS”) and primary,branched-chain and random C₁₀-C₂₀ alkyl sulfates (“AS”), C₁₀-C₁₈secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH₃(CH₂)_(x)(CHOSO₃ ⁻M⁺)CH₃ and CH₃ (CH₂)_(y)(CHOSO₃ ⁻M⁺) CH₂CH₃ where x and (y+1) are integersof at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and M is awater-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates suchas oleyl sulfate, the C₁₀-C₁₈ alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters, theC₁₀-C₁₈ sulfated alkyl polyglycosides, the C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy sulfates(“AE_(x)S”) wherein x is from 1-30, and C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxycarboxylates, for example comprising 1-5 ethoxy units, mid-chainbranched alkyl sulfates as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,303 and U.S.Pat. No. 6,060,443; mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates asdiscussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,181 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,303;modified alkylbenzene sulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99/05243, WO99/05242 and WO 99/05244; methyl ester sulfonate (MES); and alpha-olefinsulfonate (AOS).

Other suitable anionic surfactants that may be used are alkyl estersulfonate surfactants including sulfonated linear esters of C₈-C₂₀carboxylic acids (i.e., fatty acids). Other suitable anionic surfactantsthat may be used include salts of soap, C₈-C₂₂ primary of secondaryalkanesulfonates, C₈-C₂₄ olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylicacids, C₈-C₂₄ alkylpolyglycolethersulfates (containing up to 10 moles ofethylene oxide); alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acyl glycerolsulfonates, fatty oleoyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxideether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates suchas the acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates andsulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinates (for example saturatedand unsaturated C₁₂-C₁₈ monoesters) and diesters of sulfosuccinates (forexample saturated and unsaturated C₆-C₁₂ diesters), sulfates ofalkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside, andalkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the formulaRO(CH₂CH₂O)_(k)—CH₂COO-M+ wherein R is a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl, k is an integerfrom 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation.

Other exemplary anionic surfactants are the alkali metal salts ofC₁₀-C₁₆ alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, preferably C₁₁-C₁₄ alkyl benzenesulfonic acids. In one example, the alkyl group is linear. Such linearalkyl benzene sulfonates are known as “LAS”. Such surfactants and theirpreparation are described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,220,099 and2,477,383. IN another example, the linear alkyl benzene sulfonatesinclude the sodium and/or potassium linear straight chain alkylbenzenesulfonates in which the average number of carbon atoms in the alkylgroup is from about 11 to 14. Sodium C₁₁-C₁₄ LAS, e.g., C₁₂ LAS, is aspecific example of such surfactants.

Another exemplary type of anionic surfactant comprises linear orbranched ethoxylated alkyl sulfate surfactants. Such materials, alsoknown as alkyl ether sulfates or alkyl polyethoxylate sulfates, arethose which correspond to the formula: R′—O—(C₂H₄O)_(n)—SO₃M wherein R′is a C₈-C₂₀ alkyl group, n is from about 1 to 20, and M is asalt-forming cation. In a specific embodiment, R′ is C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl, n isfrom about 1 to 15, and M is sodium, potassium, ammonium, alkylammonium,or alkanolammonium. In more specific embodiments, R′ is a C₁₂″ C₁₆, n isfrom about 1 to 6 and M is sodium. The alkyl ether sulfates willgenerally be used in the form of mixtures comprising varying R′ chainlengths and varying degrees of ethoxylation. Frequently such mixtureswill inevitably also contain some non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfatematerials, i.e., surfactants of the above ethoxylated alkyl sulfateformula wherein n=0. Non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfates may also be addedseparately to the compositions of this invention and used as or in anyanionic surfactant component which may be present. Specific examples ofnon-alkoyxylated, e.g., non-ethoxylated, alkyl ether sulfate surfactantsare those produced by the sulfation of higher C₈-C₂₀ fatty alcohols.Conventional primary alkyl sulfate surfactants have the general formula:R″OSO₃ ⁻M+ wherein R″ is typically a C₈-C₁₀ alkyl group, which may bestraight chain or branched chain, and M is a water-solubilizing cation.In specific embodiments, R″ is a C₁₀-C₁₅ alkyl group, and M is alkalimetal, more specifically R″ is C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl and M is sodium. Specific,non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants useful herein include: a)C₁₁-C₁₈ alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS); b) C₁₀-C₂₀ primary,branched-chain and random alkyl sulfates (AS); c) C₁₀-C₁₈ secondary(2,3)-alkyl sulfates having following formulae:

wherein M is hydrogen or a cation which provides charge neutrality, andall M units, whether associated with a surfactant or adjunct ingredient,can either be a hydrogen atom or a cation depending upon the formisolated by the artisan or the relative pH of the system wherein thecompound is used, with non-limiting examples of suitable cationsincluding sodium, potassium, ammonium, and mixtures thereof, and x is aninteger of at least 7 and/or at least about 9, and y is an integer of atleast 8 and/or at least 9; d) C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AE_(Z)S)wherein z, for example, is from 1-30; e) C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxycarboxylates preferably comprising 1-5 ethoxy units; f) mid-chainbranched alkyl sulfates as discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,020,303 and6,060,443; g) mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates as discussed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,008,181 and 6,020,303; h) modified alkylbenzenesulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99/05243, WO 99/05242, WO 99/05244,WO 99/05082, WO 99/05084, WO 99/05241, WO 99/07656, WO 00/23549, and WO00/23548; i) methyl ester sulfonate (MES); and j) alpha-olefin sulfonate(AOS).

b. Cationic Surfactants

Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include, but arenot limited to, those having the formula (I):

in which R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from (a) analiphatic group of from 1 to 26 carbon atoms, or (b) an aromatic,alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylarylgroup having up to 22 carbon atoms; and X is a salt-forming anion suchas those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate,citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulphate, andalkylsulphate radicals. In one example, the alkylsulphate radical ismethosulfate and/or ethosulfate.

Suitable quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants of general formula (I)may include cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammoniumchloride (BTAC), stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridiniumchloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride,hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octyldimethylbenzylammoniumchloride, decyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride,stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, didodecyldimethylammoniumchloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctadecyldimethylammoniumchloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, tallowtrimethylammoniumchloride, cocotrimethylammonium chloride,2-ethylhexylstearyldimethylammonum chloride,dipalmitoylethyldimethylammonium chloride, PEG-2 oleylammonium chlorideand salts of these, where the chloride is replaced by halogen, (e.g.,bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate,sulphate, or alkylsulphate.

Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants are commerciallyavailable under the trade names ARQUAD® from Akzo Nobel Surfactants(Chicago, Ill.).

In one example, suitable cationic surfactants include quaternaryammonium surfactants, for example that have up to 26 carbon atomsinclude: alkoxylate quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants as discussedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,769; dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium asdiscussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,922; dimethyl hydroxyethyl laurylammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants as discussed in WO98/35002, WO 98/35003, WO 98/35004, WO 98/35005, and WO 98/35006;cationic ester surfactants as discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,228,042,4,239,660 4,260,529 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,844; and amino surfactantsas discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,825 and WO 00/47708, for exampleamido propyldimethyl amine (APA).

Other suitable cationic surfactants include salts of primary, secondary,and tertiary fatty amines. In one embodiment, the alkyl groups of suchamines have from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms, and can besubstituted or unsubstituted. These amines are typically used incombination with an acid to provide the cationic species.

The cationic surfactant may include cationic ester surfactants havingthe formula:

wherein R₁ is a C₅-C₃₁ linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkarylchain or M⁻.N⁺(R₆R₇R₈)(CH₂)_(s); X and Y, independently, are selectedfrom the group consisting of COO, OCO, O, CO, OCOO, CONH, NHCO, OCONHand NHCOO wherein at least one of X or Y is a COO, OCO, OCOO, OCONH orNHCOO group; R₂, R₃, R₄, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are independently selected fromthe group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkenyl andalkaryl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R₅ is independentlyH or a C₁-C₃ alkyl group; wherein the values of m, n, s and tindependently lie in the range of from 0 to 8, the value of b lies inthe range from 0 to 20, and the values of a, u and v independently areeither 0 or 1 with the proviso that at least one of u or v must be 1;and wherein M is a counter anion. In one example, R₂, R₃ and R₄ areindependently selected from CH₃ and —CH₂CH₂OH. In another example, M isselected from the group consisting of halide, methyl sulfate, sulfate,nitrate, chloride, bromide, or iodide.

The cationic surfactants of the present invention may be chosen for usein personal cleansing applications. In one example, such cationicsurfactants may be included in the filament and/or fiber at a totallevel by weight of from about 0.1% to about 10% and/or from about 0.5%to about 8% and/or from about 1% to about 5% and/or from about 1.4% toabout 4%, in view of balance among ease-to-rinse feel, rheology and wetconditioning benefits. A variety of cationic surfactants including mono-and di-alkyl chain cationic surfactants can be used in the compositionsof the present invention. In one example, the cationic surfactantsinclude mono-alkyl chain cationic surfactants in view of providingdesired gel matrix and wet conditioning benefits. The mono-alkylcationic surfactants are those having one long alkyl chain which hasfrom 12 to 22 carbon atoms and/or from 16 to 22 carbon atoms and/or from18 to 22 carbon atoms in its alkyl group, in view of providing balancedwet conditioning benefits. The remaining groups attached to nitrogen areindependently selected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbonatoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl oralkylaryl group having up to about 4 carbon atoms. Such mono-alkylcationic surfactants include, for example, mono-alkyl quaternaryammonium salts and mono-alkyl amines. Mono-alkyl quaternary ammoniumsalts include, for example, those having a non-functionalized long alkylchain. Mono-alkyl amines include, for example, mono-alkyl amidoaminesand salts thereof. Other cationic surfactants such as di-alkyl chaincationic surfactants may also be used alone, or in combination with themono-alkyl chain cationic surfactants. Such di-alkyl chain cationicsurfactants include, for example, dialkyl (14-18) dimethyl ammoniumchloride, ditallow alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihydrogenatedtallow alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, and dicetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

In one example the cationic ester surfactants are hydrolyzable under theconditions of a laundry wash.

c. Nonionic Surfactants

Non-limiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactants includealkoxylated alcohols (AE's) and alkyl phenols, polyhydroxy fatty acidamides (PFAA's), alkyl polyglycosides (APG's), C₁₀-C₁₈ glycerol ethers,and the like.

In one example, non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants useful inthe present invention include: C₁₂-C₁₈ alkyl ethoxylates, such as,NEODOL® nonionic surfactants from Shell; C₆-C₁₂ alkyl phenol alkoxylateswherein the alkoxylate units are a mixture of ethyleneoxy andpropyleneoxy units; C₁₂-C₁₈ alcohol and C₆-C₁₂ alkyl phenol condensateswith ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block alkyl polyamine ethoxylatessuch as PLURONIC® from BASF; C₁₄-C₂₂ mid-chain branched alcohols, BA, asdiscussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,322; C₁₄-C₁₂ mid-chain branched alkylalkoxylates, BAE_(x), wherein x is from 1-30, as discussed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,153,577, U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,303 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,856;alkylpolysaccharides as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647 Llenado,issued Jan. 26, 1986; specifically alkylpolyglycosides as discussed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,483,780 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,779; polyhydroxydetergent acid amides as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,528; and ethercapped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants as discussed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,482,994 and WO 01/42408.

Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants suitable for thepresent invention include: Tergitol® 15-S-9 (the condensation product ofC₁₁-C₁₅ linear alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide) and Tergitol® 24-L-6NMW (the condensation product of C₁₂-C₁₄ primary alcohol with 6 molesethylene oxide with a narrow molecular weight distribution), bothmarketed by Dow Chemical Company; Neodol® 45-9 (the condensation productof C₁₄-C₁₅ linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol® 23-3(the condensation product of C₁₂-C₁₃ linear alcohol with 3 moles ofethylene oxide), Neodol® 45-7 (the condensation product of C₁₄-C₁₅linear alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide) and Neodol® 45-5 (thecondensation product of C₁₄-C₁₅ linear alcohol with 5 moles of ethyleneoxide) marketed by Shell Chemical Company; Kyro® EOB (the condensationproduct of C₁₃-C₁₅ alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by TheProcter & Gamble Company; and Genapol LA O3O or O5O (the condensationproduct of C₁₂-C₁₄ alcohol with 3 or 5 moles of ethylene oxide) marketedby Hoechst. The nonionic surfactants may exhibit an HLB range of fromabout 8 to about 17 and/or from about 8 to about 14. Condensates withpropylene oxide and/or butylene oxides may also be used.

Non-limiting examples of semi-polar nonionic surfactants useful in thepresent invention include: water-soluble amine oxides containing onealkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moietiesselected from the group consisting of alkyl moieties and hydroxyalkylmoieties containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; water-solublephosphine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting ofalkyl moieties and hydroxyalkyl moieties containing from about 1 toabout 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkylmoiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selectedfrom the group consisting of alkyl moieties and hydroxyalkyl moieties offrom about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms. See WO 01/32816, U.S. Pat. No.4,681,704, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,779.

Another class of nonionic surfactants that may be used in the presentinvention includes polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants of thefollowing formula:

wherein R¹ is H, or C₁₋₄ hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propylor a mixture thereof, R₂ is C₅₋₃₁ hydrocarbyl, and Z is apolyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivativethereof. In one example, R¹ is methyl, R₂ is a straight C₁₁₋₁₅ alkyl orC₁₅₋₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl chain such as coconut alkyl or mixtures thereof,and Z is derived from a reducing sugar such as glucose, fructose,maltose, lactose, in a reductive amination reaction. Typical examplesinclude the C₁₂-C₁₈ and C₁₂-C₁₄ N-methylglucamides.

Alkylpolyaccharide surfactants may also be used as a nonionic surfactantin the present invention.

Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols are also suitable for use as a nonionic surfactant in thepresent invention. These compounds include the condensation products ofalkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 14carbon atoms, in either a straight-chain or branched-chain configurationwith the alkylene oxide. Commercially available nonionic surfactants ofthis type include Igepal® CO-630, marketed by the GAF Corporation; andTriton® X-45, X-114, X-100 and X-102, all marketed by the Dow ChemicalCompany.

For automatic dishwashing applications, low foaming nonionic surfactantsmay be used. Suitable low foaming nonionic surfactants are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,271,138 col. 7, line 10 to col. 7, line 60.

Examples of other suitable nonionic surfactants are thecommercially-available Pluronic® surfactants, marketed by BASF, thecommercially available Tetronic® compounds, marketed by BASF, and thecommercially available Plurafac® surfactants, marketed by BASF.

d. Zwitterionic Surfactants

Non-limiting examples of zwitterionic or ampholytic surfactants include:derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives ofheterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternaryammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. SeeU.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 at column 19, line 38 through column 22, line48, for examples of zwitterionic surfactants; betaines, including alkyldimethyl betaine and cocodimethyl amidopropyl betaine, C₈ to C₁₈ (forexample from C₁₂ to C₁₈) amine oxides and sulfo and hydroxy betaines,such as N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammino-1-propane sulfonate where the alkylgroup can be C₈ to C₁₈ and in certain embodiments from C₁₀ to C₁₄.

e. Amphoteric Surfactants

Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants include: aliphaticderivatives of secondary or tertiary amines, or aliphatic derivatives ofheterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphaticradical can be straight- or branched-chain and mixtures thereof. One ofthe aliphatic substituents may contain at least about 8 carbon atoms,for example from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and at least onecontains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g. carboxy, sulfonate,sulfate. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 at column 19, lines 18-35, forsuitable examples of amphoteric surfactants.

f. Co-Surfactants

In addition to the surfactants described above, the filaments may alsocontain co-surfactants. In the case of laundry detergents and/ordishwashing detergents, they typically contain a mixture of surfactanttypes in order to obtain broad-scale cleaning performance over a varietyof soils and stains and under a variety of usage conditions. A widerange of these co-surfactants can be used in the filaments of thepresent invention. A typical listing of anionic, nonionic, ampholyticand zwitterionic classes, and species of these co-surfactants, is givenherein above, and may also be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,961. In otherwords, the surfactant systems herein may also include one or moreco-surfactants selected from nonionic, cationic, anionic, zwitterionicor mixtures thereof. The selection of co-surfactant may be dependentupon the desired benefit. The surfactant system may comprise from 0% toabout 10%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, or from about 1% to about 4%by weight of the composition of other co-surfactant(s).

g. Amine-Neutralized Anionic Surfactants

The anionic surfactants and/or anionic co-surfactants of the presentinvention may exist in an acid form, which may be neutralized to form asurfactant salt. In one example, the filaments may comprise a surfactantsalt form. Typical agents for neutralization include a metal counterionbase such as hydroxides, eg, NaOH or KOH. Other agents for neutralizingthe anionic surfactants and anionic co-surfactants in their acid formsinclude ammonia, amines, or alkanolamines. In one example, theneutralizing agent comprises an alkanolamine, for example analkanolamine selected from the group consisting of: monoethanolamine,diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and other linear or branchedalkanolamines known in the art; for example, 2-amino-1-propanol,1-aminopropanol, monoisopropanolamine, or 1-amino-3-propanol. Amineneutralization may be done to a full or partial extent, e.g. part of theanionic surfactant mix may be neutralized with sodium or potassium andpart of the anionic surfactant mix may be neutralized with amines oralkanolamines.

Perfumes

One or more perfume and/or perfume raw materials such as accords and/ornotes may be incorporated into one or more of the filaments of thepresent invention. The perfume may comprise a perfume ingredientselected from the group consisting of: aldehyde perfume ingredients,ketone perfume ingredients, and mixtures thereof.

One or more perfumes and/or perfumery ingredients may be included in thefilaments of the present invention. A wide variety of natural andsynthetic chemical ingredients useful as perfumes and/or perfumeryingredients include but not limited to aldehydes, ketones, esters, andmixtures thereof. Also included are various natural extracts andessences which can comprise complex mixtures of ingredients, such asorange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsamicessence, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedar, and the like. Finishedperfumes can comprise extremely complex mixtures of such ingredients. Inone example, a finished perfume typically comprises from about 0.01% toabout 2%, by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web materialbasis.

Perfume Delivery Systems

Certain perfume delivery systems, methods of making certain perfumedelivery systems and the uses of such perfume delivery systems aredisclosed in USPA 2007/0275866 A1. Non-limiting examples of perfumedelivery systems include the following:

I. Polymer Assisted Delivery (PAD): This perfume delivery technologyuses polymeric materials to deliver perfume materials. Classicalcoacervation, water soluble or partly soluble to insoluble charged orneutral polymers, liquid crystals, hot melts, hydrogels, perfumedplastics, microcapsules, nano- and micro-latexes, polymeric filmformers, and polymeric absorbents, polymeric adsorbents, etc. are someexamples. PAD includes but is not limited to:

a.) Matrix Systems: The fragrance is dissolved or dispersed in a polymermatrix or particle. Perfumes, for example, may be 1) dispersed into thepolymer prior to formulating into the product or 2) added separatelyfrom the polymer during or after formulation of the product. Diffusionof perfume from the polymer is a common trigger that allows or increasesthe rate of perfume release from a polymeric matrix system that isdeposited or applied to the desired surface (situs), although many othertriggers are know that may control perfume release. Absorption and/oradsorption into or onto polymeric particles, films, solutions, and thelike are aspects of this technology. Nano- or micro-particles composedof organic materials (e.g., latexes) are examples. Suitable particlesinclude a wide range of materials including, but not limited topolyacetal, polyacrylate, polyacrylic, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide,polyaryletherketone, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polybutyleneterephthalate, polychloroprene, poly ethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate,polycarbonate, polychloroprene, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyketone,polyester, polyethylene, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone,polyethylenechlorinates, polyimide, polyisoprene, polylactic acid,polymethylpentene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide,polyphthalamide, polypropylene, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl chloride, as well as polymers or copolymers based onacrylonitrile-butadiene, cellulose acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate,ethylene vinyl alcohol, styrene-butadiene, vinyl acetate-ethylene, andmixtures thereof.

“Standard” systems refer to those that are “pre-loaded” with the intentof keeping the pre-loaded perfume associated with the polymer until themoment or moments of perfume release. Such polymers may also suppressthe neat product odor and provide a bloom and/or longevity benefitdepending on the rate of perfume release. One challenge with suchsystems is to achieve the ideal balance between 1) in-product stability(keeping perfume inside carrier until you need it) and 2) timely release(during use or from dry situs). Achieving such stability is particularlyimportant during in-product storage and product aging. This challenge isparticularly apparent for aqueous-based, surfactant-containing products,such as heavy duty liquid laundry detergents. Many “Standard” matrixsystems available effectively become “Equilibrium” systems whenformulated into aqueous-based products. One may select an “Equilibrium”system or a Reservoir system, which has acceptable in-product diffusionstability and available triggers for release (e.g., friction).“Equilibrium” systems are those in which the perfume and polymer may beadded separately to the product, and the equilibrium interaction betweenperfume and polymer leads to a benefit at one or more consumer touchpoints (versus a free perfume control that has no polymer-assisteddelivery technology). The polymer may also be pre-loaded with perfume;however, part or all of the perfume may diffuse during in-productstorage reaching an equilibrium that includes having desired perfume rawmaterials (PRMs) associated with the polymer. The polymer then carriesthe perfume to the surface, and release is typically via perfumediffusion. The use of such equilibrium system polymers has the potentialto decrease the neat product odor intensity of the neat product (usuallymore so in the case of pre-loaded standard system). Deposition of suchpolymers may serve to “flatten” the release profile and provideincreased longevity. As indicated above, such longevity would beachieved by suppressing the initial intensity and may enable theformulator to use more high impact or low odor detection threshold (ODT)or low Kovats Index (KI) PRMs to achieve FMOT benefits without initialintensity that is too strong or distorted. It is important that perfumerelease occurs within the time frame of the application to impact thedesired consumer touch point or touch points. Suitable micro-particlesand micro-latexes as well as methods of making same may be found in USPA2005/0003980 A1. Matrix systems also include hot melt adhesives andperfume plastics. In addition, hydrophobically modified polysaccharidesmay be formulated into the perfumed product to increase perfumedeposition and/or modify perfume release. All such matrix systems,including for example polysaccarides and nanolatexes may be combinedwith other PDTs, including other PAD systems such as PAD reservoirsystems in the form of a perfume microcapsule (PMC). Polymer AssistedDelivery (PAD) matrix systems may include those described in thefollowing references: US Patent Applications 2004/0110648 A1;2004/0092414 A 1; 2004/0091445 A1 and 2004/0087476 A 1; and U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,531,444; 6,024,943; 6,042,792; 6,051,540; 4,540,721 and4,973,422.

Silicones are also examples of polymers that may be used as PDT, and canprovide perfume benefits in a manner similar to the polymer-assisteddelivery “matrix system”. Such a PDT is referred to as silicone-assisteddelivery (SAD). One may pre-load silicones with perfume, or use them asan equilibrium system as described for PAD. Suitable silicones as wellas making same may be found in WO 2005/102261; USPA 20050124530A1; USPA20050143282A1; and WO 2003/015736. Functionalized silicones may also beused as described in USPA 2006/003913 A1. Examples of silicones includepolydimethylsiloxane and polyalkyldimethylsiloxanes. Other examplesinclude those with amine functionality, which may be used to providebenefits associated with amine-assisted delivery (AAD) and/orpolymer-assisted delivery (PAD) and/or amine-reaction products (ARP).Other such examples may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,852; USPA2004/0058845 A1; USPA 2004/0092425 A1 and USPA 2005/0003980 A1.

b.) Reservoir Systems: Reservoir systems are also known as a core-shelltype technology, or one in which the fragrance is surrounded by aperfume release controlling membrane, which may serve as a protectiveshell. The material inside the microcapsule is referred to as the core,internal phase, or fill, whereas the wall is sometimes called a shell,coating, or membrane. Microparticles or pressure sensitive capsules ormicrocapsules are examples of this technology. Microcapsules of thecurrent invention are formed by a variety of procedures that include,but are not limited to, coating, extrusion, spray-drying, interfacial,in-situ and matrix polymerization. The possible shell materials varywidely in their stability toward water. Among the most stable arepolyoxymethyleneurea (PMU)-based materials, which may hold certain PRMsfor even long periods of time in aqueous solution (or product). Suchsystems include but are not limited to urea-formaldehyde and/ormelamine-formaldehyde. Stable shell materials include polyacrylate-basedmaterials obtained as reaction product of an oil soluble or dispersibleamine with a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer oroligomer, an oil soluble acid and an initiator, in presence of ananionic emulsifier comprising a water soluble or water dispersibleacrylic acid alkyl acid copolymer, an alkali or alkali salt.Gelatin-based microcapsules may be prepared so that they dissolvequickly or slowly in water, depending for example on the degree ofcross-linking. Many other capsule wall materials are available and varyin the degree of perfume diffusion stability observed. Without wishingto be bound by theory, the rate of release of perfume from a capsule,for example, once deposited on a surface is typically in reverse orderof in-product perfume diffusion stability. As such, urea-formaldehydeand melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules for example, typically require arelease mechanism other than, or in addition to, diffusion for release,such as mechanical force (e.g., friction, pressure, shear stress) thatserves to break the capsule and increase the rate of perfume (fragrance)release. Other triggers include melting, dissolution, hydrolysis orother chemical reaction, electromagnetic radiation, and the like. Theuse of pre-loaded microcapsules requires the proper ratio of in-productstability and in-use and/or on-surface (on-situs) release, as well asproper selection of PRMs. Microcapsules that are based onurea-formaldehyde and/or melamine-formaldehyde are relatively stable,especially in near neutral aqueous-based solutions. These materials mayrequire a friction trigger which may not be applicable to all productapplications. Other microcapsule materials (e.g., gelatin) may beunstable in aqueous-based products and may even provide reduced benefit(versus free perfume control) when in-product aged. Scratch and snifftechnologies are yet another example of PAD. Perfume microcapsules (PMC)may include those described in the following references: US patentapplications: 2003/0125222 A1; 2003/215417 A1; 2003/216488 A1;2003/158344 A1; 2003/165692 A 1; 2004/071742 A1; 2004/071746 A1;2004/072719 A1; 2004/072720 A1; 2006/0039934 A1; 2003/203829 A1;2003/195133 A1; 2004/087477 A1; 2004/0106536 A1; and U.S. Pat. Nos.6,645,479 B1; 6,200,949 B1; 4,882,220; 4,917,920; 4,514,461; 6,106,875and 4,234,627, 3,594,328 and US RE 32713, PCT Patent Application: WO2009/134234 A1, WO 2006/127454 A2, WO 2010/079466 A2, WO 2010/079467 A2,WO 2010/079468 A2, WO 2010/084480 A2.

II. Molecule-Assisted Delivery (MAD): Non-polymer materials or moleculesmay also serve to improve the delivery of perfume. Without wishing to bebound by theory, perfume may non-covalently interact with organicmaterials, resulting in altered deposition and/or release. Non-limitingexamples of such organic materials include but are not limited tohydrophobic materials such as organic oils, waxes, mineral oils,petrolatum, fatty acids or esters, sugars, surfactants, liposomes andeven other perfume raw material (perfume oils), as well as natural oils,including body and/or other soils. Perfume fixatives are yet anotherexample. In one aspect, non-polymeric materials or molecules have aCLogP greater than about 2. Molecule-Assisted Delivery (MAD) may alsoinclude those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,060 and U.S. Pat. No.5,506,201.

III. Fiber-Assisted Delivery (FAD): The choice or use of a situs itselfmay serve to improve the delivery of perfume. In fact, the situs itselfmay be a perfume delivery technology. For example, different fabrictypes such as cotton or polyester will have different properties withrespect to ability to attract and/or retain and/or release perfume. Theamount of perfume deposited on or in fibers may be altered by the choiceof fiber, and also by the history or treatment of the fiber, as well asby any fiber coatings or treatments. Fibers may be woven and non-wovenas well as natural or synthetic. Natural fibers include those producedby plants, animals, and geological processes, and include but are notlimited to cellulose materials such as cotton, linen, hemp jute, flax,ramie, and sisal, and fibers used to manufacture paper and cloth.Fiber-Assisted Delivery may consist of the use of wood fiber, such asthermomechanical pulp and bleached or unbleached kraft or sulfite pulps.Animal fibers consist largely of particular proteins, such as silk,sinew, catgut and hair (including wool). Polymer fibers based onsynthetic chemicals include but are not limited to polyamide nylon, PETor PBT polyester, phenol-formaldehyde (PF), polyvinyl alcohol fiber(PVOH), polyvinyl chloride fiber (PVC), polyolefins (PP and PE), andacrylic polymers. All such fibers may be pre-loaded with a perfume, andthen added to a product that may or may not contain free perfume and/orone or more perfume delivery technologies. In one aspect, the fibers maybe added to a product prior to being loaded with a perfume, and thenloaded with a perfume by adding a perfume that may diffuse into thefiber, to the product. Without wishing to be bound by theory, theperfume may absorb onto or be adsorbed into the fiber, for example,during product storage, and then be released at one or more moments oftruth or consumer touch points.

IV. Amine Assisted Delivery (AAD): The amine-assisted deliverytechnology approach utilizes materials that contain an amine group toincrease perfume deposition or modify perfume release during productuse. There is no requirement in this approach to pre-complex orpre-react the perfume raw material(s) and amine prior to addition to theproduct. In one aspect, amine-containing AAD materials suitable for useherein may be non-aromatic; for example, polyalkylimine, such aspolyethyleneimine (PEI), or polyvinylamine (PVAm), or aromatic, forexample, anthranilates. Such materials may also be polymeric ornon-polymeric. In one aspect, such materials contain at least oneprimary amine. This technology will allow increased longevity andcontrolled release also of low ODT perfume notes (e.g., aldehydes,ketones, enones) via amine functionality, and delivery of other PRMs,without being bound by theory, via polymer-assisted delivery forpolymeric amines. Without technology, volatile top notes can be lost tooquickly, leaving a higher ratio of middle and base notes to top notes.The use of a polymeric amine allows higher levels of top notes and otherPRMS to be used to obtain freshness longevity without causing neatproduct odor to be more intense than desired, or allows top notes andother PRMs to be used more efficiently. In one aspect, AAD systems areeffective at delivering PRMs at pH greater than about neutral. Withoutwishing to be bound by theory, conditions in which more of the amines ofthe AAD system are deprotonated may result in an increased affinity ofthe deprotonated amines for PRMs such as aldehydes and ketones,including unsaturated ketones and enones such as damascone. In anotheraspect, polymeric amines are effective at delivering PRMs at pH lessthan about neutral. Without wishing to be bound by theory, conditions inwhich more of the amines of the AAD system are protonated may result ina decreased affinity of the protonated amines for PRMs such as aldehydesand ketones, and a strong affinity of the polymer framework for a broadrange of PRMs. In such an aspect, polymer-assisted delivery may bedelivering more of the perfume benefit; such systems are a subspecies ofAAD and may be referred to as Amine-Polymer-Assisted Delivery or APAD.In some cases when the APAD is employed in a composition that has a pHof less than seven, such APAD systems may also be consideredPolymer-Assisted Delivery (PAD). In yet another aspect, AAD and PADsystems may interact with other materials, such as anionic surfactantsor polymers to form coacervate and/or coacervates-like systems. Inanother aspect, a material that contains a heteroatom other thannitrogen, for example sulfur, phosphorus or selenium, may be used as analternative to amine compounds. In yet another aspect, theaforementioned alternative compounds can be used in combination withamine compounds. In yet another aspect, a single molecule may comprisean amine moiety and one or more of the alternative heteroatom moieties,for example, thiols, phosphines and selenols. Suitable AAD systems aswell as methods of making same may be found in US Patent Applications2005/0003980 A1; 2003/0199422 A1; 2003/0036489 A1; 2004/0220074 A1 andU.S. Pat. No. 6,103,678.

V. Cyclodextrin Delivery System (CD): This technology approach uses acyclic oligosaccharide or cyclodextrin to improve the delivery ofperfume. Typically a perfume and cyclodextrin (CD) complex is formed.Such complexes may be preformed, formed in-situ, or formed on or in thesitus. Without wishing to be bound by theory, loss of water may serve toshift the equilibrium toward the CD-Perfume complex, especially if otheradjunct ingredients (e.g., surfactant) are not present at highconcentration to compete with the perfume for the cyclodextrin cavity. Abloom benefit may be achieved if water exposure or an increase inmoisture content occurs at a later time point. In addition, cyclodextrinallows the perfume formulator increased flexibility in selection ofPRMs. Cyclodextrin may be pre-loaded with perfume or added separatelyfrom perfume to obtain the desired perfume stability, deposition orrelease benefit. Suitable CDs as well as methods of making same may befound in USPA 2005/0003980 A1 and 2006/0263313 A1 and U.S. Pat. Nos.5,552,378; 3,812,011; 4,317,881; 4,418,144 and 4,378,923.

VI. Starch Encapsulated Accord (SEA): The use of a starch encapsulatedaccord (SEA) technology allows one to modify the properties of theperfume, for example, by converting a liquid perfume into a solid byadding ingredients such as starch. The benefit includes increasedperfume retention during product storage, especially under non-aqueousconditions. Upon exposure to moisture, a perfume bloom may be triggered.Benefits at other moments of truth may also be achieved because thestarch allows the product formulator to select PRMs or PRMconcentrations that normally cannot be used without the presence of SEA.Another technology example includes the use of other organic andinorganic materials, such as silica to convert perfume from liquid tosolid. Suitable SEAs as well as methods of making same may be found inUSPA 2005/0003980 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,754 B1.

VII. Inorganic Carrier Delivery System (ZIC): This technology relates tothe use of porous zeolites or other inorganic materials to deliverperfumes. Perfume-loaded zeolite may be used with or without adjunctingredients used for example to coat the perfume-loaded zeolite (PLZ) tochange its perfume release properties during product storage or duringuse or from the dry situs. Suitable zeolite and inorganic carriers aswell as methods of making same may be found in USPA 2005/0003980 A1 andU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,858,959; 6,245,732 B1; 6,048,830 and 4,539,135. Silicais another form of ZIC. Another example of a suitable inorganic carrierincludes inorganic tubules, where the perfume or other active materialis contained within the lumen of the nano- or micro-tubules. In oneaspect, the perfume-loaded inorganic tubule (or Perfume-Loaded Tubule orPLT) is a mineral nano- or micro-tubule, such as halloysite or mixturesof halloysite with other inorganic materials, including other clays. ThePLT technology may also comprise additional ingredients on the insideand/or outside of the tubule for the purpose of improving in-productdiffusion stability, deposition on the desired situs or for controllingthe release rate of the loaded perfume. Monomeric and/or polymericmaterials, including starch encapsulation, may be used to coat, plug,cap, or otherwise encapsulate the PLT. Suitable PLT systems as well asmethods of making same may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,976.

VIII. Pro-Perfume (PP): This technology refers to perfume technologiesthat result from the reaction of perfume materials with other substratesor chemicals to form materials that have a covalent bond between one ormore PRMs and one or more carriers. The PRM is converted into a newmaterial called a pro-PRM (i.e., pro-perfume), which then may releasethe original PRM upon exposure to a trigger such as water or light.Pro-perfumes may provide enhanced perfume delivery properties such asincreased perfume deposition, longevity, stability, retention, and thelike. Pro-perfumes include those that are monomeric (non-polymeric) orpolymeric, and may be pre-formed or may be formed in-situ underequilibrium conditions, such as those that may be present duringin-product storage or on the wet or dry situs. Nonlimiting examples ofpro-perfumes include Michael adducts (e.g., beta-amino ketones),aromatic or non-aromatic imines (Schiff bases), oxazolidines, beta-ketoesters, and orthoesters. Another aspect includes compounds comprisingone or more beta-oxy or beta-thio carbonyl moieties capable of releasinga PRM, for example, an alpha, beta-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde orcarboxylic ester. The typical trigger for perfume release is exposure towater; although other triggers may include enzymes, heat, light, pHchange, autoxidation, a shift of equilibrium, change in concentration orionic strength and others. For aqueous-based products, light-triggeredpro-perfumes are particularly suited. Such photo-pro-perfumes (PPPs)include but are not limited to those that release coumarin derivativesand perfumes and/or pro-perfumes upon being triggered. The releasedpro-perfume may release one or more PRMs by means of any of the abovementioned triggers. In one aspect, the photo-pro-perfume releases anitrogen-based pro-perfume when exposed to a light and/or moisturetrigger. In another aspect, the nitrogen-based pro-perfume, releasedfrom the photo-pro-perfume, releases one or more PRMs selected, forexample, from aldehydes, ketones (including enones) and alcohols. Instill another aspect, the PPP releases a dihydroxy coumarin derivative.The light-triggered pro-perfume may also be an ester that releases acoumarin derivative and a perfume alcohol. In one aspect the pro-perfumeis a dimethoxybenzoin derivative as described in USPA 2006/0020459 A 1.In another aspect the pro-perfume is a 3′,5′-dimethoxybenzoin (DMB)derivative that releases an alcohol upon exposure to electromagneticradiation. In yet another aspect, the pro-perfume releases one or morelow ODT PRMs, including tertiary alcohols such as linalool,tetrahydrolinalool, or dihydromyrcenol. Suitable pro-perfumes andmethods of making same can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,018,978 B2;6,987,084 B2; 6,956,013 B2; 6,861,402 B1; 6,544,945 B1; 6,093,691;6,277,796 B1; 6,165,953; 6,316,397 B1; 6,437,150 B1; 6,479,682 B1;6,096,918; 6,218,355 B1; 6,133,228; 6,147,037; 7,109,153 B2; 7,071,151B2; 6,987,084 B2; 6,610,646 B2 and 5,958,870, as well as can be found inUSPA 2005/0003980 A1 and USPA 2006/0223726 A1.

a.) Amine Reaction Product (ARP): For purposes of the presentapplication, ARP is a subclass or species of PP. One may also use“reactive” polymeric amines in which the amine functionality ispre-reacted with one or more PRMs to form an amine reaction product(ARP). Typically the reactive amines are primary and/or secondaryamines, and may be part of a polymer or a monomer (non-polymer). SuchARPs may also be mixed with additional PRMs to provide benefits ofpolymer-assisted delivery and/or amine-assisted delivery. Nonlimitingexamples of polymeric amines include polymers based on polyalkylimines,such as polyethyleneimine (PEI), or polyvinylamine (PVAm). Nonlimitingexamples of monomeric (non-polymeric) amines include hydroxylamines,such as 2-aminoethanol and its alkyl substituted derivatives, andaromatic amines such as anthranilates. The ARPs may be premixed withperfume or added separately in leave-on or rinse-off applications. Inanother aspect, a material that contains a heteroatom other thannitrogen, for example oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus or selenium, may beused as an alternative to amine compounds. In yet another aspect, theaforementioned alternative compounds can be used in combination withamine compounds. In yet another aspect, a single molecule may comprisean amine moiety and one or more of the alternative heteroatom moieties,for example, thiols, phosphines and selenols. The benefit may includeimproved delivery of perfume as well as controlled perfume release.Suitable ARPs as well as methods of making same can be found in USPA2005/0003980 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,920 B1.

Bleaching Agents

The filaments of the present invention may comprise one or morebleaching agents. Non-limiting examples of suitable bleaching agentsinclude peroxyacids, perborate, percarbonate, chlorine bleaches, oxygenbleaches, hypohalite bleaches, bleach precursors, bleach activators,bleach catalysts, hydrogen peroxide, bleach boosters, photobleaches,bleaching enzymes, free radical initiators, peroxygen bleaches, andmixtures thereof.

One or more bleaching agents may be included in the filaments of thepresent invention may be included at a level from about 1% to about 30%and/or from about 5% to about 20% by weight on a dry filament basisand/or dry web material basis. If present, bleach activators may bepresent in the filaments of the present invention at a level from about0.1% to about 60% and/or from about 0.5% to about 40% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis.

Non-limiting examples of bleaching agents include oxygen bleach,perborate bleach, percarboxylic acid bleach and salts thereof, peroxygenbleach, persulfate bleach, percarbonate bleach, and mixtures thereof.Further, non-limiting examples of bleaching agents are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,483,781, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 740,446, EuropeanPatent Application 0 133 354, U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,934, and U.S. Pat. No.4,634,551.

Non-limiting examples of bleach activators (e.g., acyl lactamactivators) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,915,854; 4,412,934;4,634,551; and 4,966,723.

In one example, the bleaching agent comprises a transition metal bleachcatalyst, which may be encapsulated. The transition metal bleachcatalyst typically comprises a transition metal ion, for example atransition metal ion from a transition metal selected from the groupconsisting of: Mn(II), Mn(III), Mn(IV), Mn(V), Fe(II), Fe(III), Fe(IV),Co(I), Co(II), Co(III), Ni(I), Ni(II), Ni(III), Cu(I), Cu(II), Cu(III),Cr(II), Cr(III), Cr(IV), Cr(V), Cr(VI), V(III), V(IV), V(V), Mo(IV),Mo(V), Mo(VI), W(IV), W(V), W(VI), Pd(II), Ru(II), Ru(III), and Ru(IV).In one example, the transition metal is selected from the groupconsisting of: Mn(II), Mn(III), Mn(IV), Fe(II), Fe(III), Cr(II),Cr(III), Cr(IV), Cr(V), and Cr(VI). The transition metal bleach catalysttypically comprises a ligand, for example a macropolycyclic ligand, suchas a cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligand. The transition metal ion maybe coordinated with the ligand. Further, the ligand may comprise atleast four donor atoms, at least two of which are bridgehead donoratoms. Non-limiting examples of suitable transition metal bleachcatalysts are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,485, U.S. Pat. No.4,430,243; U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,455; U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,621; U.S. Pat.No. 5,244,594; U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,944; U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,416; U.S.Pat. No. 5,246,612; U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,779; U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,117;U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,147; U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,161; U.S. Pat. No.5,227,084; U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,606; U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,611, EP 549,271A1; EP 544,490 A1; EP 549,272 A1; and EP 544,440 A2. In one example, asuitable transition metal bleach catalyst comprises a manganese-basedcatalyst, for example disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,282. In anotherexample, suitable cobalt bleach catalysts are described, in U.S. Pat.No. 5,597,936 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,967. Such cobalt catalysts arereadily prepared by known procedures, such as taught for example in U.S.Pat. No. 5,597,936, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,967. In yet another,suitable transition metal bleach catalysts comprise a transition metalcomplex of ligand such as bispidones described in WO 05/042532 A1.

Bleaching agents other than oxygen bleaching agents are also known inthe art and can be utilized herein (e.g., photoactivated bleachingagents such as the sulfonated zinc and/or aluminum phthalocyanines (U.S.Pat. No. 4,033,718, incorporated herein by reference)), and/orpre-formed organic peracids, such as peroxycarboxylic acid or saltthereof, and/or peroxysulphonic acids or salts thereof. In one example,a suitable organic peracid comprises phthaloylimidoperoxycaproic acid orsalt thereof. When present, the photoactivated bleaching agents, such assulfonated zinc phthalocyanine, may be present in the filaments of thepresent invention at a level from about 0.025% to about 1.25% by weighton a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis.

Brighteners

Any optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents knownin the art may be incorporated in the filaments of the present inventionat levels from about 0.01% to about 1.2% by weight on a dry filamentbasis and/or dry web material basis. Commercial optical brightenerswhich may be useful in the present invention can be classified intosubgroups, which include, but are not necessarily limited to,derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, carboxylic acid,methinecyanines, dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Examplesof such brighteners are disclosed in “The Production and Application ofFluorescent Brightening Agents”, M. Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley &Sons, New York (1982). Specific nonlimiting examples of opticalbrighteners which are useful in the present compositions are thoseidentified in U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,856 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,015.

Fabric Hueing Agents

The filaments of the present invention my include fabric hueing agents.Non-limiting examples of suitable fabric hueing agents include smallmolecule dyes and polymeric dyes. Suitable small molecule dyes includesmall molecule dyes selected from the group consisting of dyes fallinginto the Colour Index (C.I.) classifications of Direct Blue, Direct Red,Direct Violet, Acid Blue, Acid Red, Acid Violet, Basic Blue, BasicViolet and Basic Red, or mixtures thereof. In another example, suitablepolymeric dyes include polymeric dyes selected from the group consistingof fabric-substantive colorants sold under the name of Liquitint®(Milliken, Spartanburg, S.C., USA), dye-polymer conjugates formed fromat least one reactive dye and a polymer selected from the groupconsisting of polymers comprising a moiety selected from the groupconsisting of a hydroxyl moiety, a primary amine moiety, a secondaryamine moiety, a thiol moiety and mixtures thereof. In still anotheraspect, suitable polymeric dyes include polymeric dyes selected from thegroup consisting of Liquitint® (Milliken, Spartanburg, S.C., USA) VioletCT, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) conjugated with a reactive blue,reactive violet or reactive red dye such as CMC conjugated with C.I.Reactive Blue 19, sold by Megazyme, Wicklow, Ireland under the productname AZO-CM-CELLULOSE, product code S-ACMC, alkoxylatedtriphenyl-methane polymeric colourants, alkoxylated thiophene polymericcolourants, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of useful hueing dyes include those found in U.S.Pat. No. 7,205,269; U.S. Pat. No. 7,208,459; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,757B2. For example, fabric hueing dyes may be selected from the groupconsisting of: triarylmethane blue and violet basic dyes, methine blueand violet basic dyes, anthraquinone blue and violet basic dyes, azodyes basic blue 16, basic blue 65, basic blue 66 basic blue 67, basicblue 71, basic blue 159, basic violet 19, basic violet 35, basic violet38, basic violet 48, oxazine dyes, basic blue 3, basic blue 75, basicblue 95, basic blue 122, basic blue 124, basic blue 141, Nile blue A andxanthene dye basic violet 10, an alkoxylated triphenylmethane polymericcolorant; an alkoxylated thiopene polymeric colorant; thiazolium dye;and mixtures thereof.

In one example, a fabric hueing dye includes the whitening agents foundin WO 08/87497 A1. These whitening agents may be characterized by thefollowing structure (I):

wherein R₁ and R₂ can independently be selected from:

-   a) [(CH₂CR′HO)_(x)(CH₂CR″HO)_(y)H]    -   wherein R′ is selected from the group consisting of H, CH₃,        CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H, and mixtures thereof; wherein R″ is selected        from the group consisting of H, CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H, and mixtures        thereof; wherein x+y≦5; wherein y≧1; and wherein z=0 to 5;-   b) R₁=alkyl, aryl or aryl alkyl and    R₂=[(CH₂CR′HO)_(x)(CH₂CR″HO)_(y)H]    -   wherein R′ is selected from the group consisting of H, CH₃,        CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H, and mixtures thereof; wherein R″ is selected        from the group consisting of H, CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H, and mixtures        thereof; wherein x+y≦10; wherein y≧1; and wherein z=0 to 5;-   c) R₁=[(CH₂CH₂(OR₃)CH₂OR₄] and R₂=[CH₂CH₂(OR₃)CH₂OR₄]    -   wherein R₃ is selected from the group consisting of H,        (CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H, and mixtures thereof; and wherein z=0 to 10;    -   wherein R₄ is selected from the group consisting of        (C₁-C₁₆)alkyl, aryl groups, and mixtures thereof; and-   d) wherein R1 and R2 can independently be selected from the amino    addition product of styrene oxide, glycidyl methyl ether, isobutyl    glycidyl ether, isopropylglycidyl ether, t-butyl glycidyl ether,    2-ethylhexylgycidyl ether, and glycidylhexadecyl ether, followed by    the addition of from 1 to 10 alkylene oxide units.

In another example, a suitable whitening agent may be characterized bythe following structure (II):

wherein R′ is selected from the group consisting of H, CH₃,CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H, and mixtures thereof; wherein R″ is selected fromthe group consisting of H, CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H, and mixtures thereof;wherein x+y≦5; wherein y≧1; and wherein z=0 to 5.

In yet another example, a suitable whitening agent may be characterizedby the following structure (III):

This whitening agent is commonly referred to as “Violet DD”. Violet DDis typically a mixture having a total of 5 EO groups. This structure isarrived by the following selection in Structure I of the followingpendant groups shown in Table I below in “part a” above:

TABLE I R1 R2 . R′ R″ X y R′ R″ x y a H H 3 1 H H 0 1 b H H 2 1 H H 1 1c = b H H 1 1 H H 2 1 d = a H H 0 1 H H 3 1

Further whitening agents of use include those described inUS2008/34511A1 (Unilever). In one example, the whitening agent comprises“Violet 13”.

Dye Transfer Inhibiting Agents

The filaments of the present invention may include one or more dyetransfer inhibiting agents that inhibit transfer of dyes from one fabricto another during a cleaning process. Generally, such dye transferinhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamineN-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole,manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. If used,these agents typically comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% and/orfrom about 0.01% to about 5% and/or from about 0.05% to about 2% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis.

Chelating Agents

The filaments of the present invention may contain one or more chelatingagents, for example one or more iron and/or manganese and/or other metalion chelating agents. Such chelating agents can be selected from thegroup consisting of: amino carboxylates, amino phosphonates,polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixturesthereof. If utilized, these chelating agents will generally comprisefrom about 0.1% to about 15% and/or from about 0.1% to about 10% and/orfrom about 0.1% to about 5% and/or from about 0.1% to about 3% by weighton a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis.

The chelating agents may be chosen by one skilled in the art to providefor heavy metal (e.g. Fe) sequestration without negatively impactingenzyme stability through the excessive binding of calcium ions.Non-limiting examples of chelating agents of use in the presentinvention are found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,445,644, U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,376and US 2009/0176684A1.

Useful chelating agents include heavy metal chelating agents, such asdiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and/or a catechol including,but not limited to, Tiron. In embodiments in which a dual chelatingagent system is used, the chelating agents may be DTPA and Tiron.

DTPA has the following core molecular structure:

Tiron, also known as 1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid, is onemember of the catechol family and has the core molecular structure shownbelow:

Other sulphonated catechols are of use. In addition to the disulfonicacid, the term “tiron” may also include mono- or di-sulfonate salts ofthe acid, such as, for example, the disodium sulfonate salt, whichshares the same core molecular structure with the disulfonic acid.

Other chelating agents suitable for use herein can be selected from thegroup consisting of: aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates,polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixturesthereof. In one example, the chelating agents include but are notlimited to: HEDP (hydroxyethanedimethylenephosphonic acid); MGDA(methylglycinediacetic acid); GLDA (glutamic-N,N-diacetic acid); andmixtures thereof.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the benefitof these materials is due in part to their exceptional ability to removeheavy metal ions from washing solutions by formation of solublechelates; other benefits include inorganic film or scale prevention.Other suitable chelating agents for use herein are the commercialDEQUEST series, and chelants from Monsanto, DuPont, and Nalco, Inc.

Aminocarboxylates useful as chelating agents include, but are notlimited to, ethylenediaminetetracetates,N-(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilotriacetates,ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetates,diethylenetriamine-pentaacetates, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal,ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts thereof and mixtures thereof.Aminophosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in thecompositions of the invention when at least low levels of totalphosphorus are permitted in the filaments of the present invention, andinclude ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylenephosphonates). In one example,these aminophosphonates do not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with morethan about 6 carbon atoms. Polyfunctionally-substituted aromaticchelating agents are also useful in the compositions herein. See U.S.Pat. No. 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al. Non-limitingexamples of compounds of this type in acid form aredihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.

In one example, a biodegradable chelating agent comprisesethylenediamine disuccinate (“EDDS”), for example the [S,S] isomer asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,233. The trisodium salt of EDDS may beused. In another example, the magnesium salts of EDDS may also be used.

One or more chelating agents may be present in the filaments of thepresent invention at a level from about 0.2% to about 0.7% and/or fromabout 0.3% to about 0.6% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dryweb material basis.

Suds Suppressors

Compounds for reducing or suppressing the formation of suds can beincorporated into the filaments of the present invention. Sudssuppression can be of particular importance in the so-called “highconcentration cleaning process” as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,489,455and 4,489,574, and in front-loading-style washing machines.

A wide variety of materials may be used as suds suppressors, and sudssuppressors are well known to those skilled in the art. See, forexample, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition,Volume 7, pages 430-447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979). Examples ofsuds supressors include monocarboxylic fatty acid and soluble saltstherein, high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, fatty acidesters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalentalcohols, aliphatic C₁₈-C₄₀ ketones (e.g., stearone), N-alkylated aminotriazines, waxy hydrocarbons preferably having a melting point belowabout 100° C., silicone suds suppressors, and secondary alcohols. Sudssupressors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,954,347; 4,265,779;4,265,779; 3,455,839; 3,933,672; 4,652,392; 4,978,471; 4,983,316;5,288,431; 4,639,489; 4,749,740; and 4,798,679; 4,075,118; EuropeanPatent Application No. 89307851.9; EP 150,872; and DOS 2,124,526.

For any filaments and/or nonwovens comprising such filaments of thepresent invention designed to be used in automatic laundry washingmachines, suds should not form to the extent that they overflow thewashing machine. Suds suppressors, when utilized, are preferably presentin a “suds suppressing amount. By “suds suppressing amount” is meantthat the formulator of the composition can select an amount of this sudscontrolling agent that will sufficiently control the suds to result in alow-sudsing laundry detergent for use in automatic laundry washingmachines.

The filaments herein will generally comprise from 0% to about 10% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis of sudssuppressors. When utilized as suds suppressors, for examplemonocarboxylic fatty acids, and salts therein, may be present in amountsup to about 5% and/or from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis. When utilized, siliconesuds suppressors are typically used in the filaments at a level up toabout 2.0% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web materialbasis, although higher amounts may be used. When utilized, monostearylphosphate suds suppressors are typically used in the filaments at alevel from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight on a dry filament basisand/or dry web material basis. When utilized, hydrocarbon sudssuppressors are typically utilized in the filaments at a level fromabout 0.01% to about 5.0% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dryweb material basis, although higher levels can be used. When utilized,alcohol suds suppressors are typically used in the filaments at a levelfrom about 0.2% to about 3% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dryweb material basis.

Suds Boosters

If high sudsing is desired, suds boosters such as the C₁₀-C₁₆alkanolamides can be incorporated into the filaments, typically at alevel from 0% to about 10% and/or from about 1% to about 10% by weighton a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis. The C₁₀-C₁₄monoethanol and diethanol amides illustrate a typical class of such sudsboosters. Use of such suds boosters with high sudsing adjunctsurfactants such as the amine oxides, betaines and sultaines noted aboveis also advantageous. If desired, water-soluble magnesium and/or calciumsalts such as MgCl₂, MgSO₄, CaCl₂, CaSO₄ and the like, may be added tothe filaments at levels from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis to provide additional suds.

Softening Agents

One or more softening agents may be present in the filaments.Non-limiting examples of suitable softening agents include quaternaryammonium compounds for example a quaternary ammonium esterquat compound,silicones such as polysiloxanes, clays such as smectite clays, andmixture thereof.

In one example, the softening agents comprise a fabric softening agent.Non-limiting examples of fabric softening agents include impalpablesmectite clays, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,647, aswell as other fabric softening clays known in the art. When present, thefabric softening agent may be present in the filaments at a level fromabout 0.5% to about 10% and/or from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight ona dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis. Fabric softeningclays may be used in combination with amine and/or cationic softeningagents such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,416, and U.S. Pat.No. 4,291,071. Cationic softening agents may also be used without fabricsoftening clays.

Conditioning Agents

The filaments of the present invention may include one or moreconditioning agents, such as a high melting point fatty compound. Thehigh melting point fatty compound may have a melting point of about 25°C. or greater, and may be selected from the group consisting of: fattyalcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcohol derivatives, fatty acidderivatives, and mixtures thereof. Such fatty compounds that exhibit alow melting point (less than 25° C.) are not intended to be included asa conditioning agent. Non-limiting examples of the high melting pointfatty compounds are found in International Cosmetic IngredientDictionary, Fifth Edition, 1993, and CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook,Second Edition, 1992.

One or more high melting point fatty compounds may be included in thefilaments of the present invention at a level from about 0.1% to about40% and/or from about 1% to about 30% and/or from about 1.5% to about16% and/or from about 1.5% to about 8% by weight on a dry filament basisand/or dry web material basis. The conditioning agents may provideconditioning benefits, such as slippery feel during the application towet hair and/or fabrics, softness and/or moisturized feel on dry hairand/or fabrics.

The filaments of the present invention may contain a cationic polymer asa conditioning agent. Concentrations of the cationic polymer in thefilaments, when present, typically range from about 0.05% to about 3%and/or from about 0.075% to about 2.0% and/or from about 0.1% to about1.0% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis.Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic polymers may have cationiccharge densities of at least 0.5 meq/gm and/or at least 0.9 meq/gmand/or at least 1.2 meq/gm and/or at least 1.5 meq/gm at a pH of fromabout 3 to about 9 and/or from about 4 to about 8. In one example,cationic polymers suitable as conditioning agents may have cationiccharge densities of less than 7 meq/gm and/or less than 5 meq/gm at a pHof from about 3 to about 9 and/or from about 4 to about 8. Herein,“cationic charge density” of a polymer refers to the ratio of the numberof positive charges on the polymer to the molecular weight of thepolymer. The weight average molecular weight of such suitable cationicpolymers will generally be between about 10,000 and 10 million, in oneembodiment between about 50,000 and about 5 million, and in anotherembodiment between about 100,000 and about 3 million.

Suitable cationic polymers for use in the filaments of the presentinvention may contain cationic nitrogen-containing moieties such asquaternary ammonium and/or cationic protonated amino moieties. Anyanionic counterions may be used in association with the cationicpolymers so long as the cationic polymers remain soluble in water and solong as the counterions are physically and chemically compatible withthe other components of the filaments or do not otherwise unduly impairproduct performance, stability or aesthetics of the filaments.Non-limiting examples of such counterions include halides (e.g.,chloride, fluoride, bromide, iodide), sulfates and methylsulfates.

Non-limiting examples of such cationic polymers are described in theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 3rd edition, edited by Estrin,Crosley, and Haynes, (The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association,Inc., Washington, D.C. (1982)).

Other suitable cationic polymers for use in the filaments of the presentinvention include cationic polysaccharide polymers, cationic guar gumderivatives, quaternary nitrogen-containing cellulose ethers, cationicsynthetic polymers, cationic copolymers of etherified cellulose, guarand starch. When used, the cationic polymers herein are soluble inwater. Further, suitable cationic polymers for use in the filaments ofthe present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,418, U.S.Pat. No. 3,958,581, and U.S. 2007/0207109A1, which are all incorporatedherein by reference.

The filaments of the present invention may include a nonionic polymer asa conditioning agent. Polyalkylene glycols having a molecular weight ofmore than about 1000 are useful herein. Useful are those having thefollowing general formula:

wherein R⁹⁵ is selected from the group consisting of: H, methyl, andmixtures thereof.

Silicones may be included in the filaments as conditioning agents. Thesilicones useful as conditioning agents typically comprise a waterinsoluble, water dispersible, non-volatile, liquid that formsemulsified, liquid particles. Suitable conditioning agents for use inthe composition are those conditioning agents characterized generally assilicones (e.g., silicone oils, cationic silicones, silicone gums, highrefractive silicones, and silicone resins), organic conditioning oils(e.g., hydrocarbon oils, polyolefins, and fatty esters) or combinationsthereof, or those conditioning agents which otherwise form liquid,dispersed particles in the aqueous surfactant matrix herein. Suchconditioning agents should be physically and chemically compatible withthe essential components of the composition, and should not otherwiseunduly impair product stability, aesthetics or performance.

The concentration of the conditioning agents in the filaments may besufficient to provide the desired conditioning benefits. Suchconcentration can vary with the conditioning agent, the conditioningperformance desired, the average size of the conditioning agentparticles, the type and concentration of other components, and otherlike factors.

The concentration of the silicone conditioning agents typically rangesfrom about 0.01% to about 10% by weight on a dry filament basis and/ordry web material basis. Non-limiting examples of suitable siliconeconditioning agents, and optional suspending agents for the silicone,are described in U.S. Reissue Pat. No. 34,584, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,104,646;5,106,609; 4,152,416; 2,826,551; 3,964,500; 4,364,837; 6,607,717;6,482,969; 5,807,956; 5,981,681; 6,207,782; 7,465,439; 7,041,767;7,217,777; US Patent Application Nos. 2007/0286837A1; 2005/0048549A1;2007/0041929A1; British Pat. No. 849,433; German Patent No. DE 10036533,which are all incorporated herein by reference; Chemistry and Technologyof Silicones, New York: Academic Press (1968); General Electric SiliconeRubber Product Data Sheets SE 30, SE 33, SE 54 and SE 76; SiliconCompounds, Petrarch Systems, Inc. (1984); and in Encyclopedia of PolymerScience and Engineering, vol. 15, 2d ed., pp 204-308, John Wiley & Sons,Inc. (1989).

In one example, the filaments of the present invention may also comprisefrom about 0.05% to about 3% by weight on a dry filament basis and/ordry web material basis of at least one organic conditioning oil as aconditioning agent, either alone or in combination with otherconditioning agents, such as the silicones (described herein). Suitableconditioning oils include hydrocarbon oils, polyolefins, and fattyesters. Also suitable for use in the compositions herein are theconditioning agents described by the Procter & Gamble Company in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,674,478, and 5,750,122. Also suitable for use herein arethose conditioning agents described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,529,586,4,507,280, 4,663,158, 4,197,865, 4,217,914, 4,381,919, and 4,422, 853,which are all incorporated herein by reference.

Humectants

The filaments of the present invention may contain one or morehumectants. The humectants herein are selected from the group consistingof polyhydric alcohols, water soluble alkoxylated nonionic polymers, andmixtures thereof. The humectants, when used, may be present in thefilaments at a level from about 0.1% to about 20% and/or from about 0.5%to about 5% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web materialbasis.

Suspending Agents

The filaments of the present invention may further comprise a suspendingagent at concentrations effective for suspending water-insolublematerial in dispersed form in the compositions or for modifying theviscosity of the composition. Such concentrations of suspending agentsrange from about 0.1% to about 10% and/or from about 0.3% to about 5.0%by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis.

Non-limiting examples of suitable suspending agents include anionicpolymers and nonionic polymers (e.g., vinyl polymers, acyl derivatives,long chain amine oxides, and mixtures thereof, alkanol amides of fattyacids, long chain esters of long chain alkanol amides, glyceryl esters,primary amines having a fatty alkyl moiety having at least about 16carbon atoms, secondary amines having two fatty alkyl moieties eachhaving at least about 12 carbon atoms). Examples of suspending agentsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,855.

Enzymes

One or more enzymes may be present in the filaments of the presentinvention. Non-limiting examples of suitable enzymes include proteases,amylases, lipases, cellulases, carbohydrases including mannanases andendoglucanases, pectinases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, xylanases,phopholipases, esterases, cutinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases,phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases,penosanases, malanases, glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluraonidases,chrondroitinases, laccases, and mixtures thereof.

Enzymes may be included in the filaments of the present invention for avariety of purposes, including but not limited to removal ofprotein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains fromsubstrates, for the prevention of refugee dye transfer in fabriclaundering, and for fabric restoration. In one example, the filaments ofthe present invention may include proteases, amylases, lipases,cellulases, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof of any suitable origin,such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin.Selections of the enzymes utilized are influenced by factors such aspH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, and stability toother additives, such as active agents, for example builders, presentwithin the filaments. In one example, the enzyme is selected from thegroup consisting of: bacterial enzymes (for example bacterial amylasesand/or bacterial proteases), fungal enzymes (for example fungalcellulases), and mixtures thereof.

When present in the filaments of the present invention, the enzymes maybe present at levels sufficient to provide a “cleaning-effectiveamount”. The term “cleaning effective amount” refers to any amountcapable of producing a cleaning, stain removal, soil removal, whitening,deodorizing, or freshness improving effect on substrates such asfabrics, dishware and the like. In practical terms for currentcommercial preparations, typical amounts are up to about 5 mg by weight,more typically 0.01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of thefilament and/or fiber of the present invention. Stated otherwise, thefilaments of the present invention will typically comprise from about0.001% to about 5% and/or from about 0.01% to about 3% and/or from about0.01% to about 1% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry webmaterial basis.

One or more enzymes may be applied to the filament and/or nonwoven weband/or film after the filament and/or nonwoven web and/or film areproduced.

A range of enzyme materials and means for their incorporation into thefilament-forming composition of the present invention, which may be asynthetic detergent composition, is also disclosed in WO 9307263 A; WO9307260 A; WO 8908694 A; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,553,139; 4,101,457; and U.S.Pat. No. 4,507,219.

Enzyme Stabilizing System

When enzymes are present in the filaments and/or fibers of the presentinvention, an enzyme stabilizing system may also be included in thefilaments. Enzymes may be stabilized by various techniques. Non-limitingexamples of enzyme stabilization techniques are disclosed andexemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,600,319 and 3,519,570; EP 199,405, EP200,586; and WO 9401532A.

In one example, the enzyme stabilizing system may comprise calciumand/or magnesium ions.

The enzyme stabilizing system may be present in the filaments of thepresent invention at a level of from about 0.001% to about 10% and/orfrom about 0.005% to about 8% and/or from about 0.01% to about 6% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis. The enzymestabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatiblewith the enzymes present in the filaments. Such an enzyme stabilizingsystem may be inherently provided by other formulation actives, or beadded separately, e.g., by the formulator or by a manufacturer ofenzymes. Such enzyme stabilizing systems may, for example, comprisecalcium ion, magnesium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chaincarboxylic acids, boronic acids, and mixtures thereof, and are designedto address different stabilization problems.

Builders

The filaments of the present invention may comprise one or morebuilders. Non-limiting examples of suitable builders include zeolitebuilders, aluminosilicate builders, silicate builders, phosphatebuilders, citric acid, citrates, nitrilo triacetic acid, nitrilotriacetate, polyacrylates, acrylate/maleate copolymers, and mixturesthereof.

In one example, a builder selected from the group consisting of:aluminosilicates, silicates, and mixtures thereof, may be included inthe filaments of the present invention. The builders may be included inthe filaments to assist in controlling mineral, especially calciumand/or magnesium hardness in wash water or to assist in the removal ofparticulate soils from surfaces. Also suitable for use herein aresynthesized crystalline ion exchange materials or hydrates thereofhaving chain structure and a composition represented by the followinggeneral Formula I an anhydride form: x(M₂O).ySiO₂.zM′O wherein M is Naand/or K, M′ is Ca and/or Mg; y/x is 0.5 to 2.0 and z/x is 0.005 to 1.0as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,711.

Non-limiting examples of other suitable builders that may be included inthe filaments include phosphates and polyphosphates, for example thesodium salts thereof; carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates andcarbonate minerals other than sodium carbonate or sesquicarbonate;organic mono-, di-, tri-, and tetracarboxylates for examplewater-soluble nonsurfactant carboxylates in acid, sodium, potassium oralkanolammonium salt form, as well as oligomeric or water-soluble lowmolecular weight polymer carboxylates including aliphatic and aromatictypes; and phytic acid. These builders may be complemented by borates,e.g., for pH-buffering purposes, or by sulfates, for example sodiumsulfate and any other fillers or carriers which may be important to theengineering of stable surfactant and/or builder-containing filaments ofthe present invention.

Still other builders may be selected from polycarboxylates, for examplecopolymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid,and copolymers of acrylic acid and/or maleic acid and other suitableethylenic monomers with various types of additional functionalities.

Builder level can vary widely depending upon end use. In one example,the filaments of the present invention may comprise at least 1% and/orfrom about 1% to about 30% and/or from about 1% to about 20% and/or fromabout 1% to about 10% and/or from about 2% to about 5% by weight on adry fiber basis of one or more builders.

Clay Soil Removal/Anti-Redeposition Agents

The filaments of the present invention may contain water-solubleethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and anti-redepositionproperties. Such water-soluble ethoxylated amines may be present in thefilaments of the present invention at a level of from about 0.01% toabout 10.0% and/or from about 0.01% to about 7% and/or from about 0.1%to about 5% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web materialbasis of one or more water-soluble ethoxylates amines. Non-limitingexamples of suitable clay soil removal and antiredeposition agents aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,597,898; 548,744; 4,891,160; EuropeanPatent Application Nos. 111,965; 111,984; 112,592; and WO 95/32272.

Polymeric Soil Release Agent

The filaments of the present invention may contain polymeric soilrelease agents, hereinafter “SRAs.” If utilized, SRA's will generallycomprise from about 0.01% to about 10.0% and/or from about 0.1% to about5% and/or from about 0.2% to about 3.0% by weight on a dry filamentbasis and/or dry web material basis.

SRAs typically have hydrophilic segments to hydrophilize the surface ofhydrophobic fibers such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segmentsto deposit upon hydrophobic fibers and remain adhered thereto throughcompletion of washing and rinsing cycles thereby serving as an anchorfor the hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains occurringsubsequent to treatment with SRA to be more easily cleaned in laterwashing procedures.

SRAs can include, for example, a variety of charged, e.g., anionic oreven cationic (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,447), as well as non-chargedmonomer units and structures may be linear, branched or evenstar-shaped. They may include capping moieties which are especiallyeffective in controlling molecular weight or altering the physical orsurface-active properties. Structures and charge distributions may betailored for application to different fiber or textile types and forvaried detergent or detergent additive products. Non-limiting examplesof SRAs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,968,451; 4,711,730; 4,721,580;4,702,857; 4,877,896; 3,959,230; 3,893,929; 4,000,093; 5,415,807;4,201,824; 4,240,918; 4,525,524; 4,201,824; 4,579,681; and 4,787,989;European Patent Application 0 219 048; 279,134 A; 457,205 A; and DE2,335,044.

Polymeric Dispersing Agents

Polymeric dispersing agents can advantageously be utilized in thefilaments of the present invention at levels from about 0.1% to about 7%and/or from about 0.1% to about 5% and/or from about 0.5% to about 4% byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis, especiallyin the presence of zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Suitablepolymeric dispersing agents may include polymeric polycarboxylates andpolyethylene glycols, although others known in the art can also be used.For example, a wide variety of modified or unmodified polyacrylates,polyacrylate/mealeates, or polyacrylate/methacrylates are highly useful.It is believed, though it is not intended to be limited by theory, thatpolymeric dispersing agents enhance overall detergent builderperformance, when used in combination with other builders (includinglower molecular weight polycarboxylates) by crystal growth inhibition,particulate soil release peptization, and anti-redeposition.Non-limiting examples of polymeric dispersing agents are found in U.S.Pat. No. 3,308,067, European Patent Application No. 66915, EP 193,360,and EP 193,360.

Alkoxylated Polyamine Polymers

Alkoxylated polyamines may be included in the filaments of the presentinvention for providing soil suspending, grease cleaning, and/orparticulate cleaning. Such alkoxylated polyamines include but are notlimited to ethoxylated polyethyleneimines, ethoxylated hexamethylenediamines, and sulfated versions thereof. Polypropoxylated derivatives ofpolyamines may also be included in the filaments of the presentinvention. A wide variety of amines and polyaklyeneimines can bealkoxylated to various degrees, and optionally further modified toprovide the abovementioned benefits. A useful example is 600 g/molpolyethyleneimine core ethoxylated to 20 EO groups per NH and isavailable from BASF.

Alkoxylated Polycarboxylate Polymers

Alkoxylated polycarboxylates such as those prepared from polyacrylatesmay be included in the filaments of the present invention to provideadditional grease removal performance. Such materials are described inWO 91/08281 and PCT 90/01815. Chemically, these materials comprisepolyacrylates having one ethoxy side-chain per every 7-8 acrylate units.The side-chains are of the formula —(CH₂CH₂O)_(m)(CH₂)_(n)CH₃ wherein mis 2-3 and n is 6-12. The side-chains are ester-linked to thepolyacrylate “backbone” to provide a “comb” polymer type structure. Themolecular weight can vary, but is typically in the range of about 2000to about 50,000. Such alkoxylated polycarboxylates can comprise fromabout 0.05% to about 10% by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dryweb material basis.

Amphilic Graft Co-Polymers

The filaments of the present invention may include one or more amphilicgraft co-polymers. An example of a suitable amphilic graft co-polymercomprises (i) a polyethyelene glycol backbone; and (ii) and at least onependant moiety selected from polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol andmixtures thereof. A non-limiting example of a commercially availableamphilic graft co-polymer is Sokalan HP22, supplied from BASE

Dissolution Aids

The filaments of the present invention may incorporate dissolution aidsto accelerate dissolution when the filament contains more the 40%surfactant to mitigate formation of insoluble or poorly solublesurfactant aggregates that can sometimes form or surfactant compositionsare used in cold water. Non-limiting examples of dissolution aidsinclude sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassiumsulfate, magnesium chloride, and magnesium sulfate.

Buffer System

The filaments of the present invention may be formulated such that,during use in an aqueous cleaning operation, for example washing clothesor dishes, the wash water will have a pH of between about 5.0 and about12 and/or between about 7.0 and 10.5. In the case of a dishwashingoperation, the pH of the wash water typically is between about 6.8 andabout 9.0. In the case of washing clothes, the pH of the was watertypically is between 7 and 11. Techniques for controlling pH atrecommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis, acids,etc., and are well known to those skilled in the art. These include theuse of sodium carbonate, citric acid or sodium citrate, monoethanolamine or other amines, boric acid or borates, and other pH-adjustingcompounds well known in the art.

Filaments useful as “low pH” detergent compositions are included in thepresent invention and are especially suitable for the surfactant systemsof the present invention and may provide in-use pH values of less than8.5 and/or less than 8.0 and/or less than 7.0 and/or less than 7.0and/or less than 5.5 and/or to about 5.0.

Dynamic in-wash pH profile filaments are included in the presentinvention. Such filaments may use wax-covered citric acid particles inconjunction with other pH control agents such that (i) 3 minutes aftercontact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is greater than 10; (ii)10 mins after contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is less than9.5; (iii) 20 mins after contact with water, the pH of the wash liquoris less than 9.0; and (iv) optionally, wherein, the equilibrium pH ofthe wash liquor is in the range of from above 7.0 to 8.5.

Release of Active Agent

One or more active agents may be released from the filament when thefilament is exposed to a triggering condition. In one example, one ormore active agents may be released from the filament or a part of thefilament when the filament or the part of the filament loses itsidentity, in other words, loses its physical structure. For example, afilament loses its physical structure when the filament-forming materialdissolves, melts or undergoes some other transformative step such thatthe filament structure is lost. In one example, the one or more activeagents are released from the filament when the filament's morphologychanges.

In another example, one or more active agents may be released from thefilament or a part of the filament when the filament or the part of thefilament alters its identity, in other words, alters its physicalstructure rather than loses its physical structure. For example, afilament alters its physical structure when the filament-formingmaterial swells, shrinks, lenthens, and/or shortens, but retains itsfilament-forming properties.

In another example, one or more active agents may be released from thefilament with the filament's morphology not changing (not losing oraltering its physical structure).

In one example, the filament may release an active agent upon thefilament being exposed to a triggering condition that results in therelease of the active agent, such as by causing the filament to lose oralter its identity as discussed above. Non-limiting examples oftriggering conditions include exposing the filament to solvent, a polarsolvent, such as alcohol and/or water, and/or a non-polar solvent, whichmay be sequential, depending upon whether the filament-forming materialcomprises a polar solvent-soluble material and/or a non-polarsolvent-soluble material; exposing the filament to heat, such as to atemperature of greater than 75° F. and/or greater than 100° F. and/orgreater than 150° F. and/or greater than 200° F. and/or greater than212° F.; exposing the filament to cold, such as to a temperature of lessthan 40° F. and/or less than 32° F. and/or less than 0° F.; exposing thefilament to a force, such as a stretching force applied by a consumerusing the filament; and/or exposing the filament to a chemical reaction;exposing the filament to a condition that results in a phase change;exposing the filament to a pH change and/or a pressure change and/ortemperature change; exposing the filament to one or more chemicals thatresult in the filament releasing one or more of its active agents;exposing the filament to ultrasonics; exposing the filament to lightand/or certain wavelengths; exposing the filament to a different ionicstrength; and/or exposing the filament to an active agent released fromanother filament.

In one example, one or more active agents may be released from thefilaments of the present invention when a nonwoven web comprising thefilaments is subjected to a triggering step selected from the groupconsisting of: pre-treating stains on a fabric article with the nonwovenweb; forming a wash liquour by contacting the nonwoven web with water;tumbling the nonwoven web in a dryer; heating the nonwoven web in adryer; and combinations thereof.

Filament-Forming Composition

The filaments of the present invention are made from a filament-formingcomposition. The filament-forming composition is a polar-solvent-basedcomposition. In one example, the filament-forming composition is anaqueous composition comprising one or more filament-forming materialsand one or more active agents.

The filament-forming composition of the present invention may have ashear viscosity as measured according to the Shear Viscosity Test Methoddescribed herein of from about 1 Pascal·Seconds to about 25Pascal·Seconds and/or from about 2 Pascal·Seconds to about 20Pascal·Seconds and/or from about 3 Pascal·Seconds to about 10Pascal·Seconds, as measured at a shear rate of 3,000 sec⁻¹ and at theprocessing temperature (50° C. to 100° C.).

The filament-forming composition may be processed at a temperature offrom about 50° C. to about 100° C. and/or from about 65° C. to about 95°C. and/or from about 70° C. to about 90° C. when making filaments fromthe filament-forming composition.

In one example, the filament-forming composition may comprise at least20% and/or at least 30% and/or at least 40% and/or at least 45% and/orat least 50% to about 90% and/or to about 85% and/or to about 80% and/orto about 75% by weight of one or more filament-forming materials, one ormore active agents, and mixtures thereof. The filament-formingcomposition may comprise from about 10% to about 80% by weight of apolar solvent, such as water.

The filament-forming composition may exhibit a Capillary Number of atleast 1 and/or at least 3 and/or at least 5 such that thefilament-forming composition can be effectively polymer processed into ahydroxyl polymer fiber.

The Capillary number is a dimensionless number used to characterize thelikelihood of this droplet breakup. A larger capillary number indicatesgreater fluid stability upon exiting the die. The Capillary number isdefined as follows:

${Ca} = \frac{V*\eta}{\sigma}$

V is the fluid velocity at the die exit (units of Length per Time),η is the fluid viscosity at the conditions of the die (units of Mass perLength*Time),σ a is the surface tension of the fluid (units of mass per Time²). Whenvelocity, viscosity, and surface tension are expressed in a set ofconsistent units, the resulting Capillary number will have no units ofits own; the individual units will cancel out.

The Capillary number is defined for the conditions at the exit of thedie. The fluid velocity is the average velocity of the fluid passingthrough the die opening. The average velocity is defined as follows:

$V = \frac{{Vol}^{\prime}}{Area}$

Vol′=volumetric flowrate (units of Length³ per Time),Area=cross-sectional area of the die exit (units of Length).

When the die opening is a circular hole, then the fluid velocity can bedefined as

$V = \frac{{Vol}^{\prime}}{\pi*R^{2}}$

R is the radius of the circular hole (units of length).

The fluid viscosity will depend on the temperature and may depend of theshear rate. The definition of a shear thinning fluid includes adependence on the shear rate. The surface tension will depend on themakeup of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid.

In a fiber spinning process, the filaments need to have initialstability as they leave the die. The Capillary number is used tocharacterize this initial stability criterion. At the conditions of thedie, the Capillary number should be greater than 1 and/or greater than4.

In one example, the filament-forming composition exhibits a CapillaryNumber of from at least 1 to about 50 and/or at least 3 to about 50and/or at least 5 to about 30.

The filament-forming composition of the present invention may have ashear viscosity of from about 1 Pascal·Seconds to about 25Pascal·Seconds and/or from about 2 Pascal·Seconds to about 20Pascal·Seconds and/or from about 3 Pascal·Seconds to about 10Pascal·Seconds, as measured at a shear rate of 3,000 sec⁻¹ and at theprocessing temperature (50° C. to 100° C.).

The filament-forming composition may be processed at a temperature offrom about 50° C. to about 100° C. and/or from about 65° C. to about 95°C. and/or from about 70° C. to about 90° C. when making fibers from thefilament-forming composition.

In one example, the non-volatile components of the spinning compositionmay comprise from about 20% and/or 30% and/or 40% and/or 45% and/or 50%to about 75% and/or 80% and/or 85% and/or 90%. The non-volatilecomponents may be composed of filament-forming materials, such asbackbone polymers, actives and combinations thereof. The volatilecomponent of the spinning composition will comprise the remainingpercentage and range from 10% to 80%.

The filament-forming composition may exhibit a Capillary Number of atleast 1 and/or at least 3 and/or at least 5 such that thefilament-forming composition can be effectively polymer processed into ahydroxyl polymer fiber.

The Capillary number is a dimensionless number used to characterize thelikelihood of this droplet breakup. A larger capillary number indicatesgreater fluid stability upon exiting the die. The Capillary number isdefined as follows:

${Ca} = \frac{V*\eta}{\sigma}$

V is the fluid velocity at the die exit (units of Length per Time),η is the fluid viscosity at the conditions of the die (units of Mass perLength*Time),σ is the surface tension of the fluid (units of mass per Time²). Whenvelocity, viscosity, and surface tension are expressed in a set ofconsistent units, the resulting Capillary number will have no units ofits own; the individual units will cancel out.

The Capillary number is defined for the conditions at the exit of thedie. The fluid velocity is the average velocity of the fluid passingthrough the die opening. The average velocity is defined as follows:

$V = \frac{{Vol}^{\prime}}{Area}$

Vol′=volumetric flowrate (units of Length³ per Time),Area=cross-sectional area of the die exit (units of Length²).

When the die opening is a circular hole, then the fluid velocity can bedefined as

$V = \frac{{Vol}^{\prime}}{\pi*R^{2}}$

R is the radius of the circular hole (units of length).

The fluid viscosity will depend on the temperature and may depend of theshear rate. The definition of a shear thinning fluid includes adependence on the shear rate. The surface tension will depend on themakeup of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid.

In a filament spinning process, the filaments need to have initialstability as they leave the die. The Capillary number is used tocharacterize this initial stability criterion. At the conditions of thedie, the Capillary number should be greater than 1 and/or greater than4.

In one example, the filament-forming composition exhibits a CapillaryNumber of from at least 1 to about 50 and/or at least 3 to about 50and/or at least 5 to about 30.

In one example, the filament-forming composition may comprise one ormore release agents and/or lubricants. Non-limiting examples of suitablerelease agents and/or lubricants include fatty acids, fatty acid salts,fatty alcohols, fatty esters, sulfonated fatty acid esters, fatty amineacetates and fatty amides, silicones, aminosilicones, fluoropolymers andmixtures thereof.

In one example, the filament-forming composition may comprise one ormore antiblocking and/or detackifying agents. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable antiblocking and/or detackifying agents include starches,modified starches, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinkedcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metallic oxides, calciumcarbonate, talc and mica.

Active agents of the present invention may be added to thefilament-forming composition prior to and/or during filament formationand/or may be added to the filament after filament formation. Forexample, a perfume active agent may be applied to the filament and/ornonwoven web comprising the filament after the filament and/or nonwovenweb according to the present invention are formed. In another example,an enzyme active agent may be applied to the filament and/or nonwovenweb comprising the filament after the filament and/or nonwoven webaccording to the present invention are formed. In still another example,one or more particulate active agents, such as one or more ingestibleactive agents, such as bismuth subsalicylate, which may not be suitablefor passing through the spinning process for making the filament, may beapplied to the filament and/or nonwoven web comprising the filamentafter the filament and/or nonwoven web according to the presentinvention are formed.

Extensional Aids

In one example, the filament comprises an extensional aid. Non-limitingexamples of extensional aids can include polymers, other extensionalaids, and combinations thereof.

In one example, the extensional aids have a weight-average molecularweight of at least about 500,000 Da. In another example, the weightaverage molecular weight of the extensional aid is from about 500,000 toabout 25,000,000, in another example from about 800,000 to about22,000,000, in yet another example from about 1,000,000 to about20,000,000, and in another example from about 2,000,000 to about15,000,000. The high molecular weight extensional aids are preferred insome examples of the invention due to the ability to increaseextensional melt viscosity and reducing melt fracture.

The extensional aid, when used in a meltblowing process, is added to thecomposition of the present invention in an amount effective to visiblyreduce the melt fracture and capillary breakage of fibers during thespinning process such that substantially continuous fibers havingrelatively consistent diameter can be melt spun. Regardless of theprocess employed to produce filaments, the extensional aids, when used,can be present from about 0.001% to about 10%, by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis, in one example, and inanother example from about 0.005 to about 5%, by weight on a dryfilament basis and/or dry web material basis, in yet another examplefrom about 0.01 to about 1%, by weight on a dry filament basis and/ordry web material basis, and in another example from about 0.05% to about0.5%, by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis.

Non-limiting examples of polymers that can be used as extensional aidscan include alginates, carrageenans, pectin, chitin, guar gum, xanthumgum, agar, gum arabic, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, locust bean gum,alkylcellulose, hydroxyalkylcellulose, carboxyalkylcellulose, andmixtures thereof.

Nonlimiting examples of other extensional aids can include carboxylmodified polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid,polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylenevinyl acetate, polyethyleneimine, polyamides, polyalkylene oxidesincluding polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyethylenepropyleneoxide, and mixtures thereof.

Method for Making Filament

The filaments of the present invention may be made by any suitableprocess. A non-limiting example of a suitable process for making thefilaments is described below.

In one example, a method for making a filament according to the presentinvention comprises the steps of:

a. providing a filament-forming composition comprising one or morefilament-forming materials and one or more active agents; and

b. spinning the filament-forming composition into one or more filamentscomprising the one or more filament-forming materials and the one ormore active agents that are releasable from the filament when exposed toconditions of intended use, wherein the total level of the one or morefilament-forming materials present in the filament is less than 65%and/or 50% or less by weight on a dry filament basis and/or dry webmaterial basis and the total level of the one or more active agentspresent in the filament is greater than 35% and/or 50% or greater byweight on a dry filament basis and/or dry web material basis.

In one example, during the spinning step, any volatile solvent, such aswater, present in the filament-forming composition is removed, such asby drying, as the filament is formed. In one example, greater than 30%and/or greater than 40% and/or greater than 50% of the weight of thefilament-forming composition's volatile solvent, such as water, isremoved during the spinning step, such as by drying the filament beingproduced.

The filament-forming composition may comprise any suitable total levelof filament-forming materials and any suitable level of active agents solong as the filament produced from the filament-forming compositioncomprises a total level of filament-forming materials in the filament offrom about 5% to 50% or less by weight on a dry filament basis and/ordry web material basis and a total level of active agents in thefilament of from 50% to about 95% by weight on a dry filament basisand/or dry web material basis.

In one example, the filament-forming composition may comprise anysuitable total level of filament-forming materials and any suitablelevel of active agents so long as the filament produced from thefilament-forming composition comprises a total level of filament-formingmaterials in the filament of from about 5% to 50% or less by weight on adry filament basis and/or dry web material basis and a total level ofactive agents in the filament of from 50% to about 95% by weight on adry filament basis and/or dry web material basis, wherein the weightratio of filament-forming material to additive is 1 or less.

In one example, the filament-forming composition comprises from about 1%and/or from about 5% and/or from about 10% to about 50% and/or to about40% and/or to about 30% and/or to about 20% by weight of thefilament-forming composition of filament-forming materials; from about1% and/or from about 5% and/or from about 10% to about 50% and/or toabout 40% and/or to about 30% and/or to about 20% by weight of thefilament-forming composition of active agents; and from about 20% and/orfrom about 25% and/or from about 30% and/or from about 40% and/or toabout 80% and/or to about 70% and/or to about 60% and/or to about 50% byweight of the filament-forming composition of a volatile solvent, suchas water. The filament-forming composition may comprise minor amounts ofother active agents, such as less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/orless than 3% and/or less than 1% by weight of the filament-formingcomposition of plasticizers, pH adjusting agents, and other activeagents.

The filament-forming composition is spun into one or more filaments byany suitable spinning process, such as meltblowing and/or spunbonding.In one example, the filament-forming composition is spun into aplurality of filaments by meltblowing. For example, the filament-formingcomposition may be pumped from an extruder to a meltblown spinnerette.Upon exiting one or more of the filament-forming holes in thespinnerette, the filament-forming composition is attenuated with air tocreate one or more filaments. The filaments may then be dried to removeany remaining solvent used for spinning, such as the water.

The filaments of the present invention may be collected on a belt, suchas a patterned belt to form a nonwoven web comprising the filaments.

Web Material

The web materials comprising one or more active agents of the presentinvention exhibits novel properties, features, and/or combinationsthereof compared to known web materials comprising one or more activeagents. This is shown by the data set forth in Table II below.

TABLE II Active Agents in Filaments/ Basis GM Plate Dry Web Web FibersWeight Thickness Density Modulus Stiffness Burst Material (Y/N) (Y/N)(g/m²) (mm) (g/cm³) (g/cm²) (N*mm) (g) Dizolve ® N — 354 0.885 0.4018630 8.1+ 310 Sheet¹ A Dizolve ® N — 434 0.943 0.46 95613 25.5+ 302Sheet¹ B Dizolve ® N — 420 1.00 0.42 68236 19.1+ 257 Sheet¹ C Purex ® YN ~800 ~1.95 ~0.41 — 51.9+ >5000 Complete 3-in 1 Laundry Sheets²Invention A Y Y 155 0.375 0.41 1537 ≦2.6 ≦572 Invention B Y Y 117 0.4260.27 3039 ≦4.7 ≦2019 Invention C Y Y 79 0.351 0.22 1649 — — Active MD CDAgents in Peak Peak MD CD Filaments/ Elonga- Elonga- Dry Dry Disintegra-Dissolu- Web Web Fibers tion tion Tensile Tensile tion Time tion TimeMaterial (Y/N) (Y/N) (%) (%) (g/in) (g/in) (s/g) (s/g) Dizolve ® N —7.60 8.62 432 378 59.8 978 Sheet¹ A Dizolve ® N — 1.42 2.00 1487 1231 —— Sheet¹ B Dizolve ® N — 2.03 2.96 1064 908 — — Sheet¹ C Purex ® Y N — —— — — — Complete 3-in 1 Laundry Sheets² Invention A Y Y 26 28 455 319167 5008 Invention B Y Y 56 76 805 723 16.9 498 Invention C Y Y 58 81733 716 — — ¹Dizolve ® Laundry Detergent Sheets commercially availablefrom Dizolve Group Corp. ²Commercially available from The DialCorporation

Nonwoven Web

One or more, and/or a plurality of filaments of the present inventionmay form a nonwoven web by any suitable process known in the art. Thenonwoven web may be used to deliver the active agents from the filamentsof the present invention when the nonwoven web is exposed to conditionsof intended use of the filaments and/or nonwoven web.

Even though the filament and/or nonwoven web and/or film of the presentinvention are in solid form, the filament-forming composition used tomake the filaments of the present invention may be in the form of aliquid.

In one example, the nonwoven web comprises a plurality of identical orsubstantially identical from a compositional perspective filamentsaccording to the present invention. In another example, the nonwoven webmay comprise two or more different filaments according to the presentinvention. Non-limiting examples of differences in the filaments may bephysical differences such as differences in diameter, length, texture,shape, rigidness, elasticity, and the like; chemical differences such ascrosslinking level, solubility, melting point, Tg, active agent,filament-forming material, color, level of active agent, level offilament-forming material, presence of any coating on filament,biodegradable or not, hydrophobic or not, contact angle, and the like;differences in whether the filament loses its physical structure whenthe filament is exposed to conditions of intended use; differences inwhether the filament's morphology changes when the filament is exposedto conditions of intended use; and differences in rate at which thefilament releases one or more of its active agents when the filament isexposed to conditions of intended use. In one example, two or morefilaments within the nonwoven web may comprise the same filament-formingmaterial, but have different active agents. This may be the case wherethe different active agents may be incompatible with one another, forexample an anionic surfactant (such as a shampoo active agent) and acationic surfactant (such as a hair conditioner active agent).

In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the nonwoven web 20 may comprisetwo or more different layers 22, 24 (in the z-direction of the nonwovenweb 20 of filaments 16 of the present invention that form the nonwovenweb 20. The filaments 16 in layer 22 may be the same as or differentfrom the filaments 16 of layer 24. Each layer 22, 24 may comprise aplurality of identical or substantially identical or differentfilaments. For example, filaments that may release their active agentsat a faster rate than others within the nonwoven web may be positionedto an external surface of the nonwoven web.

In another example, the nonwoven web may exhibit different regions, suchas different regions of basis weight, density and/or caliper. In yetanother example, the nonwoven web may comprise texture on one or more ofits surfaces. A surface of the nonwoven web may comprise a pattern, suchas a non-random, repeating pattern. The nonwoven web may be embossedwith an emboss pattern. In another example, the nonwoven web maycomprise apertures. The apertures may be arranged in a non-random,repeating pattern.

In one example, the nonwoven web may comprise discrete regions offilaments that differ from other parts of the nonwoven web.

Non-limiting examples of use of the nonwoven web of the presentinvention include, but are not limited to a laundry dryer substrate,washing machine substrate, washcloth, hard surface cleaning and/orpolishing substrate, floor cleaning and/or polishing substrate, as acomponent in a battery, baby wipe, adult wipe, feminine hygiene wipe,bath tissue wipe, window cleaning substrate, oil containment and/orscavenging substrate, insect repellant substrate, swimming pool chemicalsubstrate, food, breath freshener, deodorant, waste disposal bag,packaging film and/or wrap, wound dressing, medicine delivery, buildinginsulation, crops and/or plant cover and/or bedding, glue substrate,skin care substrate, hair care substrate, air care substrate, watertreatment substrate and/or filter, toilet bowl cleaning substrate, candysubstrate, pet food, livestock bedding, teeth whitening substrates,carpet cleaning substrates, and other suitable uses of the active agentsof the present invention.

The nonwoven web of the present invention may be used as is or may becoated with one or more active agents.

In another example, the nonwoven web of the present invention may bepressed into a film, for example by applying a compressive force and/orheating the nonwoven web to convert the nonwoven web into a film. Thefilm would comprise the active agents that were present in the filamentsof the present invention. The nonwoven web may be completely convertedinto a film or parts of the nonwoven web may remain in the film afterpartial conversion of the nonwoven web into the film. The films may beused for any suitable purposes that the active agents may be used forincluding, but not limited to the uses exemplified for the nonwoven web.

In one example, the nonwoven web of the present invention exhibits anaverage disintegration time per g of sample of less than 120 and/or lessthan 100 and/or less than 80 and/or less than 55 and/or less than 50and/or less than 40 and/or less than 30 and/or less than 20 seconds/gram(s/g) as measured according to the Dissolution Test Method describedherein.

In another example, the nonwoven web of the present invention exhibitsan average dissolution time per g of sample of less than 950 and/or lessthan 900 and/or less than 800 and/or less than 700 and/or less than 600and/or less than 550 s/g as measured according to the Dissolution TestMethod described herein.

In one example, the nonwoven web of the present invention exhibits athickness of greater than 0.01 mm and/or greater than 0.05 mm and/orgreater than 0.1 mm and/or to about 20 mm and/or to about 10 mm and/orto about 5 mm and/or to about 2 mm and/or to about 0.5 mm and/or toabout 0.3 mm as measured by the Thickness Test Method described herein.

Automatic Dishwashing Articles

Automatic dishwashing articles comprise one or more filaments and/orfibers and/or nonwoven webs and/or films of the present invention and asurfactant system, and optionally one or more optional ingredients knownin the art of cleaning, for example useful in cleaning dishware in anautomatic dishwashing machine. Examples of these optional ingredientsinclude: anti-scalants, bleaching agents, perfumes, dyes, antibacterialagents, enzymes (e.g., protease, amylase), cleaning polymers (e.g.,alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer), anti-redeposition polymers,hydrotropes, suds inhibitors, carboxylic acids, thickening agents,preservatives, disinfecting agents, glass and metal care agents, pHbuffering means so that the automatic dishwashing liquor generally has apH of from 3 to 14 (alternatively 8 to 11), or mixtures thereof.Examples of automatic dishwashing actives are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,679,630; U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,034; U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,034; U.S. Pat.No. 5,705,464; U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,386; U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,881; U.S.Pat. No. 6,017,871; U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,294.

Scale formation can be a problem. It can result from precipitation ofalkali earth metal carbonates, phosphates, and silicates. Examples ofanti-scalants include polyacrylates and polymers based on acrylic acidcombined with other moieties. Sulfonated varieties of these polymers areparticular effective in nil phosphate formulation executions. Examplesof anti-sealants include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,540,col. 15, 1.20-col. 16, 1.2; and EP 0 851 022 A2, pg. 12, 1.1-20.

In one embodiment, an automatic dishwashing article is providedcomprising a filament and/or fiber and/or nonwoven web of the presentinvention, a nonionic surfactant, a sulfonated polymer, optionally achelant, optionally a builder, and optionally a bleaching agent, andmixtures thereof. A method of cleaning dishware is provided comprisingthe step of dosing an automatic dishwashing article of the presentinvention into an automatic dishwashing machine.

Hand Dishwashing Articles

Hand dish washing articles comprise one or more filaments and/or fibersand/or nonwoven webs and/or films of the present invention and asurfactant system, and optionally one or more optional ingredients knownin the art of cleaning and hand care, for example useful in cleaningdishware by hand. Examples of these optional ingredients include:perfume, dyes, pearlescent agents, antibacterial agents, enzymes (e.g.,protease), cleaning polymers (e.g., alkoxylated polyethyleneiminepolymer), cationic polymers, hydrotropes, humectants, emollients, handcare agents, polymeric suds stabilizers, bleaching agent, diamines,carboxylic acids, thickening agents, preservatives, disinfecting agents,pH buffering means so that the dish washing liquor generally has a pH offrom 3 to 14 (preferably from 8 to 11), or mixtures thereof. Examples ofhand dishwashing actives are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,990,065; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,060,122.

In one embodiment, the surfactant of the hand dishwashing articlecomprises an alkyl sulfate, an alkoxy sulfate, an alkyl sulfonate, analkoxy sulfonate, an alkyl aryl sulfonate, an amine oxide, a betaine ora derivative of aliphatic or heterocyclic secondary and ternary amine, aquaternary ammonium surfactant, an amine, a singly or multiplyalkoxylated alcohol, an alkyl polyglycoside, a fatty acid amidesurfactant, a C₈-C₂₀ ammonia amide, a monoethanolamide, adiethanolamide, an isopropanolamide, a polyhydroxy fatty acid amide, ora mixture thereof.

A method of washing dishware is provided comprising the step of dosing ahand dishwashing article of the present invention in a sink or basinsuitable for containing soiled dishware. The sink or basin may containwater and/or soiled dishware.

Hard Surface Cleaning Article

Hard surface cleaning articles comprise one or more filaments and/orfibers and/or nonwoven webs and/or films of the present invention andoptionally one or more optional ingredients known in the art ofcleaning, for example useful in cleaning hard surfaces, such as an acidconstituent, for example an acid constituent that provides goodlimescale removal performance (e.g., formic acid, citric acid, sorbicacid, acetic acid, boric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acidmalic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, or mixtures thereof). Examplesof ingredients that may be included an acidic hard surface cleaningarticle may include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,696,143.Alternatively the hard surface cleaning article comprises an alkalinityconstituent (e.g., alkanolmine, carbonate, bicarbonate compound, ormixtures thereof). Examples of ingredients that may be included in analkaline hard surface cleaning article may include those described in US2010/0206328 A1. A method of cleaning a hard surface includes using ordosing a hard surface cleaning article in a method to clean a hardsurface. In one embodiment, the method comprises dosing a hard surfacecleaning article in a bucket or similar container, optionally addingwater to the bucket before or after dosing the article to the bucket. Inanother embodiment, the method comprising dosing a hard surface cleaningarticle in a toilet bowl, optionally scrubbing the surface of the toiletbowl after the article has dissolved in the water contained in thetoilet bowl.

Toilet Bowl Cleaning Head

A toilet bowl cleaning head for a toilet bowl cleaning implementcomprising one or more filaments and/or fibers and/or nonwoven websand/or films of the present invention is provided. The toilet bowlcleaning head may be disposable. The toilet bowl cleaning head may beremovably attached to a handle, so that the user's hands remain remotefrom the toilet bowl. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl cleaning headmay contain a water dispersible shell. In turn, the water dispersibleshell may comprise one or more filaments and/or fibers and/or nonwovenwebs and/or films of the present invention. This water dispersible shellmay encase a core. The core may comprise at least one granular material.The granular material of the core may comprise surfactants, organicacids, perfumes, disinfectants, bleaches, detergents, enzymes,particulates, or mixtures thereof. Optionally, the core may be free fromcellulose, and may comprise one or more filaments and/or fibers and/ornonwoven webs and/or films of the present invention. Examples a suitabletoilet bowl cleaning head may be made according to commonly assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/901,804 (P&G Case 11892). A suitabletoilet bowl cleaning head containing starch materials may be madeaccording to commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.13/073,308 (P&G case 12048), 13/073,274 (P&G case 12049) and/or13/07,3346 (P&G case 12054). A method of cleaning a toilet bowl surfaceis provided comprising the step of contacting the toilet bowl surfacewith a toilet bowl cleaning head of the present invention.

Methods of Use

The nonwoven webs or films comprising one or more fabric care activeagents according the present invention may be utilized in a method fortreating a fabric article. The method of treating a fabric article maycomprise one or more steps selected from the group consisting of: (a)pre-treating the fabric article before washing the fabric article; (b)contacting the fabric article with a wash liquor formed by contactingthe nonwoven web or film with water; (c) contacting the fabric articlewith the nonwoven web or film in a dryer; (d) drying the fabric articlein the presence of the nonwoven web or film in a dryer; and (e)combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step ofpre-moistening the nonwoven web or film prior to contacting it to thefabric article to be pre-treated. For example, the nonwoven web or filmcan be pre-moistened with water and then adhered to a portion of thefabric comprising a stain that is to be pre-treated. Alternatively, thefabric may be moistened and the web or film placed on or adheredthereto. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the stepof selecting of only a portion of the nonwoven web or film for use intreating a fabric article. For example, if only one fabric care articleis to be treated, a portion of the nonwoven web or film may be cutand/or torn away and either placed on or adhered to the fabric or placedinto water to form a relatively small amount of wash liquor which isthen used to pre-treat the fabric. In this way, the user may customizethe fabric treatment method according to the task at hand. In someembodiments, at least a portion of a nonwoven web or film may be appliedto the fabric to be treated using a device. Exemplary devices include,but are not limited to, brushes and sponges. Any one or more of theaforementioned steps may be repeated to achieve the desired fabrictreatment benefit.

Process for Making a Film

The nonwoven web of the present invention may be converted into a film.An example of a process for making a film from a nonwoven web accordingto the present invention comprises the steps of:

a. providing a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of filamentscomprising a filament-forming material, for example a polarsolvent-soluble filament-forming material; and

b. converting the nonwoven web into a film.

In one example of the present invention, a process for making a filmfrom a nonwoven web comprises the steps of providing a nonwoven web andconverting the nonwoven web into a film.

The step of converting the nonwoven web into a film may comprise thestep of subjecting the nonwoven web to a force. The force may comprise acompressive force. The compressive force may apply from about 0.2 MPaand/or from about 0.4 MPa and/or from about 1 MPa and/or to about 10 MPaand/or to about 8 MPa and/or to about 6 MPa of pressure to the nonwovenweb.

The nonwoven web may be subjected to the force for at least 20milliseconds and/or at least 50 milliseconds and/or at least 100milliseconds and/or to about 800 milliseconds and/or to about 600milliseconds and/or to about 400 milliseconds and/or to about 200milliseconds. In one example, the nonwoven web is subjected to the forcefor a time period of from about 400 milliseconds to about 800milliseconds.

The nonwoven web may be subjected to the force at a temperature of atleast 50° C. and/or at least 100° C. and/or at least 140° C. and/or atleast 150° C. and/or at least 180° C. and/or to about 200° C. In oneexample, the nonwoven web is subjected to the force at a temperature offrom about 140° C. to about 200° C.

The nonwoven web may be supplied from a roll of nonwoven web. Theresulting film may be wound into a roll of film.

Non-Limiting Examples

Non-limiting examples of filaments according to the present inventionare produced by using a small-scale apparatus 26, a schematicrepresentation of which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A pressurized tank 28suitable for batch operations is filled with a filament-formingcomposition 30, for example a filament-forming composition that issuitable for making filaments useful as fabric care compositions and/ordishwashing compositions.

In a first example as set forth in Example 1 below, a filament-formingcomposition 30 according to the present invention is made as follows:two separate parts are combined to produce the filament-formingcomposition 30. A first part, Part A, containing 15% by weight solidssolution of polyvinyl alcohol is made by mixing dry polyvinyl alcoholwith 85% by weight deionized water and heating the mixture to about 90°C. and adding mechanical mixing, if needed, until all or substantiallyall of the polyvinyl alcohol is dissolved in the deionized water. Thismaterial is then allowed to cool to about 73° F.±4° F. (about 23°C.±2.2° C.). Next, a second part, Part B, containing 24.615% by weightdeionized water and the balance additives, including active agents suchas surfactants, pH adjusting agents and chelating agents that exhibit acombined total weight % of greater than 50% is then added to Part A. Theresulting mixture is hand mixed to form the filament-formingcomposition. This filament-forming is suitable for spinning intofilaments according to the present invention.

In a second example as set forth in Example 2 below, a filament-formingcomposition 30 combines Part A and Part B at the indicated weightpercentages set forth in Table 2A below. The weight percent ofingredients of a filament resulting from the filament-formingcomposition of Table 2A is shown in Table 2B below.

In a third example as set forth in Example 3 below, a filament-formingcomposition combines Part A and Part B at the indicated weightpercentages set forth in Table 3A below. The weight percent ofingredients of a filament resulting from the filament-formingcomposition of Table 3A is shown in Table 3B below.

In a fourth example as set forth in Example 4 below, a filament-formingcomposition contains the ingredients as set forth in Table 4 below.

In a fifth example as set forth in Example 5 below, a filament-formingcomposition contains the ingredients as set forth in Table 5 below.

In a sixth example as set forth in Example 6 below, a filament-formingcomposition contains the ingredients as set forth in Table 6 below.

In a seventh example as set forth in Example 7 below, a filament-formingcomposition contains the ingredients as set forth in Table 7 below.

Additional examples are set forth in Examples 8-12 below.

A pump 32 (for example a Zenith®, type PEP II pump having a capacity of5.0 cubic centimeters per revolution (cc/rev), manufactured by ParkerHannifin Corporation, Zenith Pumps division, of Sanford, N.C., USA) isused to pump the filament-forming composition 30 to a die 34. Thefilament-forming composition's material flow to a die 34 is controlledby adjusting the number of revolutions per minute (rpm) of the pump 32.Pipes 36 are connected the tank 28, the pump 32, and the die 34 in orderto transport (as represented by the arrows) the filament-formingcomposition 30 from the tank 28 to the pump 32 and into the die 34. Thedie 34 as shown in FIG. 6 has two or more rows of circular extrusionnozzles 38 spaced from one another at a pitch P of about 1.524millimeters (about 0.060 inches). The nozzles 38 have individual innerdiameters of about 0.305 millimeters (about 0.012 inches) and individualoutside diameters of about 0.813 millimeters (about 0.032 inches). Eachindividual nozzle 38 is encircled by an annular and divergently flaredorifice 40 to supply attenuation air to each individual nozzle 38. Thefilament-forming composition 30 that is extruded through the nozzles 38is surrounded and attenuated by generally cylindrical, humidified airstreams supplied through the orifices 40 encircling the nozzles 38 toproduce the filaments 42. Attenuation air is provided by heatingcompressed air from a source by an electrical-resistance heater, forexample, a heater manufactured by Chromalox, Division of EmersonElectric, of Pittsburgh, Pa., USA. An appropriate quantity of steam isadded to the attenuation air to saturate or nearly saturate the heatedair at the conditions in the electrically heated, thermostaticallycontrolled delivery pipe. Condensate is removed in an electricallyheated, thermostatically controlled, separator. The filaments 42 aredried by a drying air stream having a temperature of from about 149° C.(about 300° F.) to about 315° C. (about 600° F.) by an electricalresistance heater (not shown) supplied through drying nozzles (notshown) and discharged at an angle of about 90° relative to the generalorientation of the filaments 42 being spun.

The filaments may be collected on a collection device, such as a belt orfabric, in one example a belt or fabric capable of imparting a pattern,for example a non-random repeating pattern to a nonwoven web formed as aresult of collecting the filaments on the belt or fabric.

Example 1

An example of a filament and/or nonwoven web of the present inventionsuitable for providing a beauty benefit is shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 % by % by Filament weight weight (i.e., on of compo- a dryfilament- nents filament forming Filament- remain- basis and/ compo-Forming ing or dry sition Compo- upon web (i.e., sition drying) materialpremix) (g) (g) basis PART A Polyvinyl alcohol¹ 15.000 178.170 178.17024.7% Deionized water 85.000 1009.630 PART B Deionized water 24.615195.394 Anionic surfactants 45.180 322.815 322.815 49.8% Nonionic 1.2419.851 9.851  1.4% surfactants pH adjusting agent 7.114 56.471 56.471 7.8% Chelants 2.154 17.098 17.098  2.4% Other ingredients BalanceCombined A and B Solids 720.923 36.4% Deionized water 1260.701 63.6%¹Sigma-Aldrich Catalog No. 363081, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed

Example 2

Table 2A below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/ornonwoven web of the present invention suitable for providing a beautybenefit.

TABLE 2A % by weight of filament- forming composition (i.e., premix)PART A Glycerin 3.2 Polyvinyl alcohol¹ 8.1 Distilled water 88.7 PART BSodium Lauroamphoacetate (26% activity)² 31.8 Ammonium Laureth-3 sulfate(25% activity) 4.9 Ammonium Undecyl sulfate (24% activity) 19.9 AmmoniumLaureth-1 sulfate (70% activity) 8.0 Cationic cellulose³ 0.5 Citric Acid1.6 Distilled water 33.3 ¹Sigma-Aldrich Catalog No. 363081, MW85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed ²McIntyre Group Ltd, University Park,IL, Mackam HPL-28ULS ³UCARE ™ Polymer LR-400, available from AmercholCorporation (Plaquemine, Louisiana)

The resulting filaments from the filament-forming composition of Table2A exhibits the following levels of active agents and offilament-forming materials as set forth in Table 2B below.

TABLE 2B Estimated Value % by weight on a dry filament basis and/or drySolid Fibers Compositional Parameter web material basis Active Agents(Surfactants) 60.6 wt. % Filament-forming Material (Polyvinylalcohol)23.7 wt. % Weight Ratio of Filament-forming Material to 0.39 ActiveAgent

Example 3

Table 3A below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/ornonwoven web of the present invention suitable for providing a beautybenefit.

TABLE 3A % by weight of filament-forming composition (i.e., premix) PARTA Glycerin 13.5 Polyvinyl alcohol¹ 8.1 Distilled water 78.4 PART BSodium Lauroamphoacetate (26% activity)² 38.2 Ammonium Laureth-3 sulfate(70% activity) 2.9 Ammonium Undecyl sulfate (70% activity) 9.8 AmmoniumLaureth-1 sulfate (70% activity) 9.8 Cationic cellulose³ 0.5Poly(ethylene oxide)⁴ 2.0 Distilled water 36.8 ¹Sigma-Aldrich CatalogNo. 363081, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed ²McIntyre Group Ltd,University Park, IL, Mackam HPL-28ULS ³UCARE ™ Polymer LR-400, availablefrom Amerchol Corporation (Plaquemine, Louisiana) ⁴Average MW 8,000,000,available from Sigma Aldrich, Catalog Number 372838

The resulting filaments from the filament-forming composition of Table3A exhibits the following levels of active agents and offilament-forming materials as set forth in Table 3B below.

TABLE 3B Estimated Value % by weight on a dry filament basis and/or drySolid Fibers Compositional Parameter web material basis Active Agents(Surfactants) 49.4 wt. % Filament-forming Material (Polyvinylalcohol)15.5 wt. % Weight Ratio of Filament-forming Material to 0.31 ActiveAgent

Example 4

Table 4 below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/or anonwoven web of the present invention suitable for use as a laundrydetergent.

TABLE 4 % by % by Filament weight on weight of (i.e., a dry filament-components filament forming Filament- remain- basis and/ compo- Forminging or dry sition Compo- upon web (i.e., sition drying) material premix)(%) (%) basis C12-15 AES 28.45 11.38 11.38 28.07 C11.8 HLAS 12.22 4.894.89 12.05 MEA 7.11 2.85 2.85 7.02 N67HSAS 4.51 1.81 1.81 4.45 Glycerol3.08 1.23 1.23 3.04 PE-20, 3.00 1.20 1.20 2.95 PolyethyleneimineEthoxylate, PEI 600 E20 Ethoxylated/ 2.95 1.18 1.18 2.91 PropoxylatedPolyethyleneimine Brightener 15 2.20 0.88 0.88 2.17 Amine Oxide 1.460.59 0.59 1.44 Sasol 24, 9 Nonionic 1.24 0.50 0.50 1.22 Surfactant DTPA(Chelant) 1.08 0.43 0.43 1.06 Tiron (Chelant) 1.08 0.43 0.43 1.06 Celvol523 PVOH¹ 0.000 13.20 13.20 32.55 Water 31.629 59.43 Trace ¹Celvol 523,Celanese/Sekisui, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed

Example 5

Table 5 below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/or anonwoven web of the present invention suitable for use as a laundrydetergent.

TABLE 5 % by % by weight on weight of a dry filament- Filament filamentforming Filament- (i.e., basis and/ compo- Forming components or drysition Compo- remaining web (i.e., sition upon drying) material premix)(%) (%) basis C12-15 AES 23.13 9.25 9.25 24.05 C11.8 HLAS 13.55 5.425.42 14.10 MEA 6.91 2.76 2.76 7.20 N67HSAS 3.66 1.46 1.46 3.82 Glycerol2.97 1.19 1.19 3.09 PE-20, 2.81 1.12 1.12 3.92 PolyethyleneimineEthoxylate, PEI 600 E20 Ethoxylated/ 2.81 1.12 1.12 2.92 PropoxylatedPolyethyleneimine Brightener 15 0.25 0.15 0.15 0.26 Amine Oxide 1.260.50 0.50 1.32 Sasol 24, 9 Nonionic 2.17 0.87 0.87 2.26 Surfactant DTPA(Chelant) 1.01 0.40 0.40 1.06 Tiron (Chelant) 1.01 0.40 0.40 1.05 Celvol523 PVOH¹ 0.00 13.80 13.80 32.92 Water 38.46 61.53 Trace ¹Celvol 523,Celanese/Sekisui, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed

Example 6

Table 6 below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/or anonwoven web of the present invention suitable for use as a handdishwashing detergent.

TABLE 6 % by % by weight on weight of a dry filament- Filament filamentforming Filament- (i.e., basis and/ compo- Forming components or drysition Compo- remaining web (i.e., sition upon drying) material premix)(%) (%) basis NaAE0.6S 31.09 12.43 12.43 24.05 1,3-BAC 0.35 0.14 0.1414.10 Diamine PGC Amine 7.20 2.88 2.88 7.20 Oxide Tridecylalcohol-EO96.00 2.40 2.40 3.82 Sodium cumene 2.22 0.89 0.89 3.09 sulfonate GLDA2.22 0.89 0.89 3.92 Ethanol 2.17 0.87 0.87 2.92* Sodium Chloride 1.400.56 0.56 0.26 Magnesium 0.61 0.24 0.24 1.32 chloride pH Trim 0.50 0.200.20 2.26 NaOH 0.46 0.18 0.18 1.06 Acticide 0.05 0.02 0.02 1.05 Celvol523 PVOH¹ 0.000 13.20 13.20 32.92 Water 45.74 65.10 Trace ¹Celvol 523,Celanese/Sekisui, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed *Calculated

Example 7

Table 7 below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/or anonwoven web of the present invention suitable for use as a laundrydetergent.

TABLE 7 % by % by weight on weight of a dry filament- Filament filamentforming Filament- (i.e., basis and/ compo- Forming components or drysition Compo- remaining web (i.e., sition upon drying) material premix)(%) (%) basis C12-15 AES 23.13 9.25 9.25 24.04 C11.8 HLAS 13.55 5.425.42 14.10 MEA 6.91 2.76 2.76 7.20 N67HSAS 3.66 1.46 1.46 3.80 Glycerol2.97 1.19 1.19 3.09 PE-20, 2.81 1.12 1.12 3.92 PolyethyleneimineEthoxylate, PEI 600 E20 Ethoxylated/ 2.81 1.12 1.12 2.92 PropoxylatedPolyethyleneimine Brightener 15 0.25 0.15 0.15 0.26 Amine Oxide 1.260.50 0.50 1.32 Sasol 24, 9 Nonionic 2.17 0.87 0.87 2.26 Surfactant DTPA(Chelant) 1.01 0.40 0.40 1.06 Tiron (Chelant) 1.01 0.40 0.40 1.05 SudsSuppressor 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.07 AC8016 Celvol 523 PVOH¹ 0.00 13.80 13.8032.92 Water 38.46 61.51 Trace ¹Celvol 523, Celanese/Sekisui, MW85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed

Example 8

Table 8 below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/or anonwoven web of the present invention suitable for use as a laundrydetergent.

TABLE 8 % by % by weight on weight of a dry filament- Filament filamentforming Filament- (i.e., basis and/ compo- Forming components or drysition Compo- remaining web (i.e., sition upon drying) material premix)(%) (%) basis C12-15 AES 23.13 9.25 9.25 24.04 C11.8 HLAS 13.55 5.425.42 14.10 MEA 6.91 2.76 2.76 7.20 N67HSAS 3.66 1.46 1.46 3.80 Glycerol2.97 1.19 1.19 3.09 PE-20, 2.81 1.12 1.12 3.92 PolyethyleneimineEthoxylate, PEI 600 E20 Ethoxylated/ 2.81 1.12 1.12 2.92 PropoxylatedPolyethyleneimine Brightener 15 0.25 0.15 0.15 0.26 Amine Oxide 1.260.50 0.50 1.32 Sasol 24, 9 Nonionic 2.17 0.87 0.87 2.26 Surfactant DTPA(Chelant) 2.02 0.80 0.80 2.12 Suds Suppressor 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.07 AC8016Celvol 523 PVOH¹ 0.00 13.80 13.80 32.92 Water 38.46 61.51 Trace ¹Celvol523, Celanese/Sekisui, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed

Example 9

Table 9 below sets forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition of the present invention for making filaments and/or anonwoven web of the present invention suitable for use as a laundrydetergent.

TABLE 9 % by % by weight on weight of a dry filament- Filament filamentforming Filament- (i.e., basis and/ compo- Forming components or drysition Compo- remaining web (i.e., sition upon drying) material premix)(%) (%) basis C12-15 AES 32.77 13.11 13.11 26.93 C11.8 HLAS 19.20 7.687.68 15.81 Sodium Hydroxide 7.70 3.08 3.08 6.34 N67HSAS 5.19 2.08 2.084.27 PE-20, 3.98 1.59 1.59 3.27 Polyethyleneimine Ethoxylate, PEI 600E20 Ethoxylated/ 3.98 1.59 1.59 3.27 Propoxylated PolyethyleneimineBrightener 15 0.36 0.21 0.21 0.44 Amine Oxide 1.79 0.71 0.71 1.47 Sasol24, 9 Nonionic 3.08 1.23 1.23 2.53 Surfactant DTPA (Chelant) 2.87 1.151.15 2.38 C12-18 Fatty Acid 2.51 1.00 1.00 2.07 1,2-Propanediol 2.961.18 1.18 2.44 Ethanol 0.34 0.14 0.14 0.28* Suds Suppressor 0.09 0.030.03 0.07 AC8016 Celvol 523 PVOH¹ 0.00 13.80 13.80 28.41 Water 17.1651.42 Trace ¹Celvol 523, Celanese/Sekisui, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89%hydrolyzed *Calculated

Example 10

Tables 10A-10F set forth another example of a filament-formingcomposition according to the present invention and the componentsthereof as well as the final composition of the filaments and/ornonwoven made therefrom. Such filaments and/or nonwoven web are suitablefor use as a laundry detergent.

Laundry Detergent Premix

TABLE 10A Activity Material (%) Parts (%) Parts (%) Water (%) MEA:AES100% 29.35 29.35 0.00 C16-17 AS-MEA 100% 4.71 4.71 0.00 Sasol 24, 9Nonionic 100% 1.27 1.27 0.00 Surfactant Glycerol 100% 3.24 3.24 0.00Brightener 15  51% 2.26 4.46 2.20 DTPA (Chelant)  50% 2.20 4.41 2.20 MEA100% 1.79 1.79 0.00 C11.8 HLAS 100% 15.22 15.22 0.00 PE-20,  80% 3.063.82 0.76 Polyethyleneimine Ethoxylate, PEI 600 E20Ethoxylated/Propoxylated 100% 3.06 3.06 0.00 Polyethyleneimine AmineOxide  32% 1.38 4.30 2.93 AF8017 Antifoam (Suds 100% 0.06 0.06 0.00Suppressor) Water 24.30 24.30 67.60 100.00 32.40

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) Premix

TABLE 10B Activity Material (%) Parts (%) Parts (%) Water (%) Polyvinylalcohol 100% 23.00 23.00 0.00 (Celvol 523) Water 77.00 77.00 23.00100.00 77.00

Brightener 15 Premix

TABLE 10C % in Parts Active Composition Premix delivery Basis Brightener6.17 0.28% 12.19% 15 Powder % Nonionic 24.69 1.10% 48.78% Surfactant,Sasol 23, 9 % MEA 19.75 0.88% 39.02% total 50.61 2.26% 100.00% Water49.39 2.20% 100.00 4.46%

Filament-Forming Composition Spun into Filaments

TABLE 10D Activity Material (%) Parts (%) Parts (%) Water (%) PVOHPremix 23.0% 34.11 148.32 114.21 Laundry Detergent 67.6% 58.89 87.1128.22 Premix 93.00 235.43 142.43 Water Dried Off 0.00 (135.43) (135.43)93.00 100.00 7.00

Perfume Composition Added (after Formation) to Filaments/Nonwoven WebIncorporating Filaments

TABLE 10E Activity Material (%) Parts (%) Parts (%) Water (%) NonwovenWeb  93% 92.10 99.03 6.93 Perfume 100% 0.97 0.97 0.00 93.07 100.00

Final Composition of Filaments/Nonwoven Web Incorporating Filaments

TABLE 10F Activity Material (%) Parts (%) Parts (%) Water (%) MEA:AES100% 25.32 25.32 0.00 C16-17 AS-MEA 100% 4.07 4.07 0.00 Sasol 24, 9Nonionic 100% 2.04 2.04 0.00 Surfactant Glycerol 100% 2.79 2.79 0.00Brightener 15 100% 0.24 0.24 0.00 DTPA (Chelant) 100% 1.90 1.90 0.00 MEA100% 2.31 2.31 0.00 C11.8 HLAS 100% 13.13 13.13 0.00 PE-20, 100% 2.642.64 0.00 Polyethyleneimine Ethoxylate, PEI 600 E20Ethoxylated/Propoxylated 100% 2.64 2.64 0.00 Polyethyleneimine AmineOxide 100% 1.19 1.19 0.00 AF8017 Antifoam (Suds 100% 0.05 0.05 0.00Suppressor) Celvol 523 100% 33.78 33.78 0.00 Perfume 100% 0.97 0.97 0.00Water 6.93 6.93 Total 93.07 100.00 6.93

Example 11

Table 11A sets forth an example of an enzyme composition; namely anenzyme prill, that can be added to a filament and/or nonwoven webcomprising filaments of the present invention. Table 11B sets for anexample of a nonwoven web according to the present invention comprisingthe enzyme prill of Table 11A.

TABLE 11A Enzyme Composition Weight (g) Protease enzyme 0.0065 FirstAmylase enzyme 0.0065 Second Amylase enzyme 0.0126 Mannanase enzyme0.0331

TABLE 11B Enzyme Composition Weight (g) Weight (%) Nonwoven web 6.2099.06 Protease enzyme 0.0065 0.10 First Amylase enzyme 0.0065 0.10Second Amylase enzyme 0.0126 0.20 Mannanase enzyme 0.0331 0.53 TOTAL6.26 100

Example 12

Table 12 sets forth an example of a nonwoven web according to thepresent invention comprising a cellulase enzyme that is added to thenonwoven web or one or more filaments making up the nonwoven web afterthe filaments and/or nonwoven web are formed.

TABLE 12 Enzyme Composition Weight (g) Weight (%) Nonwoven web 6.20 99.9Cellulase enzyme 0.0062 0.1 TOTAL 6.2062 100

Test Methods

Unless otherwise indicated, all tests described herein including thosedescribed under the Definitions section and the following test methodsare conducted on samples that have been conditioned in a conditionedroom at a temperature of 73° F.±4° F. (about 23° C.±2.2° C.) and arelative humidity of 50%±10% for 2 hours prior to the test unlessotherwise indicated. Samples conditioned as described herein areconsidered dry samples (such as “dry filaments”) for purposes of thisinvention. Further, all tests are conducted in such conditioned room.

Water Content Test Method

The water (moisture) content present in a filament and/or fiber and/ornonwoven web is measured using the following Water Content Test Method.

A filament and/or nonwoven or portion thereof (“sample”) is placed in aconditioned room at a temperature of 73° F.±4° F. (about 23° C.±2.2° C.)and a relative humidity of 50%±10% for at least 24 hours prior totesting. The weight of the sample is recorded when no further weightchange is detected for at least a 5 minute period. Record this weight asthe “equilibrium weight” of the sample. Next, place the sample in adrying oven for 24 hours at 70° C. with a relative humidity of about 4%to dry the sample. After the 24 hours of drying, immediately weigh thesample. Record this weight as the “dry weight” of the sample. The water(moisture) content of the sample is calculated as follows:

${\% \mspace{14mu} {Water}\mspace{14mu} ({moisture})\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {sample}} = {100\% \times \frac{\left( {{{Equilibrium}\mspace{14mu} {weight}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {sample}} - {{Dry}\mspace{14mu} {weight}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{of}\mspace{14mu} {sample}}} \right)}{{Dry}\mspace{14mu} {weight}{\mspace{11mu} \;}{of}\mspace{14mu} {sample}}}$

The % Water (moisture) in sample for 3 replicates is averaged to givethe reported % Water (moisture) in sample.

Dissolution Test Method

Apparatus and Materials:

600 mL Beaker

Magnetic Stirrer (Labline Model No. 1250 or equivalent)

Magnetic Stirring Rod (5 cm)

Thermometer (1 to 100° C.+/−1° C.)

Template, Stainless Steel (3.8 cm×3.2 cm)

Timer (0-300 seconds, accurate to the nearest second)

35 mm Slide Mount having an open area of 3.8 cm×3.2 cm (commerciallyavailable from Polaroid Corporation)

35 mm Slide Mount Holder

City of Cincinnati Water or equivalent having the following properties:Total Hardness=155 mg/L as CaCO₃; Calcium content=33.2 mg/L; Magnesiumcontent=17.5 mg/L; Phosphate content=0.0462

Sample Preparation:

-   -   1. Cut 3 test samples from a film or a nonwoven web to be tested        (“sample”) using the template to ensure that the sample fits        within the 35 mm slide mount with open area dimensions 24×36 mm        (i.e. 3.8 cm×3.2 cm specimen). Cut the samples from areas of the        film or nonwoven web equally spaced along the transverse        direction of the film or nonwoven web. As one of ordinary skill        in the art would know, the basis weight of the sample is        measured and the sample weight is determined by utilizing the        open area dimensions.    -   2. Lock each of the 3 samples in a separate 35 mm slide mount.    -   3. Place magnetic stirring rod into the 600 mL Beaker.    -   4. Obtain 500 mL or greater of Cincinnati city water and measure        water temperature with thermometer and, if necessary, adjust the        temperature of the water to maintain it at the testing        temperature; namely, 5° C. Once the water temperature is at 5°        C., fill the 600 mL beaker with 500 mL of the water.    -   5. Next, place the beaker on the magnetic stirrer. Turn the        stirrer on, and adjust stir speed until a vortex develops in the        water and the bottom of the vortex is at the 400 mL mark on the        600 mL beaker.    -   6. Secure the 35 mm slide mount with sample locked therein in a        holder designed to lower the 35 mm slide mount into the water in        the beaker, for example an alligator clamp of a 35 mm slide        mount holder designed to position the 35 mm slide mount into the        water present in the 600 mL beaker. The 35 mm slide mount is        held by the alligator clamp in the middle of one long end of the        35 mm slide mount such that the long ends of the 35 mm slide        mount are parallel to the surface of the water present in the        600 mL beaker. This set up will position the film or nonwoven        surface perpendicular to the flow of the water. A slightly        modified example of an arrangement of a 35 mm slide mount and        slide mount holder are shown in FIGS. 1-3 of U.S. Pat. No.        6,787,512.    -   7. In one motion, the 35 mm slide mount holder, which positions        the 35 mm slide mount above the center of the water in the        beaker, is dropped resulting in the 35 mm slide mount becoming        submerged in the water sufficiently such that the water contacts        the entire exposed surface area of the film or nonwoven sample        locked in the 35 mm slide mount. As soon as the water contacts        the entire exposed surface area of the film or nonwoven start        the timer. Disintegration occurs when the film or nonwoven        breaks apart. When all of the visible film or nonwoven is        released from the slide mount, raise the 35 mm slide mount out        of the water while continuing to monitor the water for        undissolved film or nonwoven fragments. Dissolution occurs when        all film or nonwoven fragments are no longer visible in the        water.    -   8. Three replicates of each sample are run.    -   9. Each disintegration and dissolution time is normalized by        weight of the sample to obtain values of the disintegration and        dissolution times per g of sample tested, which is in units of        seconds/gram of sample (s/g). The average disintegration and        dissolution times per g of sample tested of the three replicates        are recorded. As one of ordinary skill in the art would know,        the disintegration time and dissolution time for each sample is        also recorded.

Diameter Test Method

The diameter of a discrete filament or a filament within a nonwoven webor film is determined by using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) oran Optical Microscope and an image analysis software. A magnification of200 to 10,000 times is chosen such that the filaments are suitablyenlarged for measurement. When using the SEM, the samples are sputteredwith gold or a palladium compound to avoid electric charging andvibrations of the filament in the electron beam. A manual procedure fordetermining the filament diameters is used from the image (on monitorscreen) taken with the SEM or the optical microscope. Using a mouse anda cursor tool, the edge of a randomly selected filament is sought andthen measured across its width (i.e., perpendicular to filamentdirection at that point) to the other edge of the filament. A scaled andcalibrated image analysis tool provides the scaling to get actualreading in μm. For filaments within a nonwoven web or film, severalfilament are randomly selected across the sample of the nonwoven web orfilm using the SEM or the optical microscope. At least two portions thenonwoven web or film (or web inside a product) are cut and tested inthis manner. Altogether at least 100 such measurements are made and thenall data are recorded for statistical analysis. The recorded data areused to calculate average (mean) of the filament diameters, standarddeviation of the filament diameters, and median of the filamentdiameters.

Another useful statistic is the calculation of the amount of thepopulation of filaments that is below a certain upper limit. Todetermine this statistic, the software is programmed to count how manyresults of the filament diameters are below an upper limit and thatcount (divided by total number of data and multiplied by 100%) isreported in percent as percent below the upper limit, such as percentbelow 1 micrometer diameter or %-submicron, for example. We denote themeasured diameter (in μm) of an individual circular filament as di.

In case the filaments have non-circular cross-sections, the measurementof the filament diameter is determined as and set equal to the hydraulicdiameter which is four times the cross-sectional area of the filamentdivided by the perimeter of the cross-section of the filament (outerperimeter in case of hollow filaments). The number-average diameter,alternatively average diameter is calculated as:

$d_{num} = \frac{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}d_{i}}{n}$

Thickness Method

Thickness of a nonwoven web or film is measured by cutting 5 samples ofa nonwoven web or film sample such that each cut sample is larger insize than a load foot loading surface of a VIR Electronic ThicknessTester Model II available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company,Philadelphia, Pa. Typically, the load foot loading surface has acircular surface area of about 3.14 in². The sample is confined betweena horizontal flat surface and the load foot loading surface. The loadfoot loading surface applies a confining pressure to the sample of 15.5g/cm². The caliper of each sample is the resulting gap between the flatsurface and the load foot loading surface. The caliper is calculated asthe average caliper of the five samples. The result is reported inmillimeters (mm).

Shear Viscosity Test Method

The shear viscosity of a filament-forming composition of the presentinvention is measured using a capillary rheometer, Goettfert Rheograph6000, manufactured by Goettfert USA of Rock Hill S.C., USA. Themeasurements are conducted using a capillary die having a diameter D of1.0 mm and a length L of 30 mm (i.e., L/D=30). The die is attached tothe lower end of the rheometer's 20 mm barrel, which is held at a dietest temperature of 75° C. A preheated to die test temperature, 60 gsample of the filament-forming composition is loaded into the barrelsection of the rheometer. Rid the sample of any entrapped air. Push thesample from the barrel through the capillary die at a set of chosenrates 1,000-10,000 seconds⁻¹. An apparent shear viscosity can becalculated with the rheometer's software from the pressure drop thesample experiences as it goes from the barrel through the capillary dieand the flow rate of the sample through the capillary die. The log(apparent shear viscosity) can be plotted against log (shear rate) andthe plot can be fitted by the power law, according to the formulaη=Kγ^(n-1), wherein K is the material's viscosity constant, n is thematerial's thinning index and γ is the shear rate. The reported apparentshear viscosity of the filament-forming composition herein is calculatedfrom an interpolation to a shear rate of 3,000 sec⁻¹ using the power lawrelation.

Basis Weight Test Method

Basis weight of a fibrous structure sample is measured by selectingtwelve (12) individual fibrous structure samples and making two stacksof six individual samples each. If the individual samples are connectedto one another vie perforation lines, the perforation lines must bealigned on the same side when stacking the individual samples. Aprecision cutter is used to cut each stack into exactly 3.5 in.×3.5 in.squares. The two stacks of cut squares are combined to make a basisweight pad of twelve squares thick. The basis weight pad is then weighedon a top loading balance with a minimum resolution of 0.01 g. The toploading balance must be protected from air drafts and other disturbancesusing a draft shield. Weights are recorded when the readings on the toploading balance become constant. The Basis Weight is calculated asfollows:

${{Basis}\mspace{14mu} {Weight}\mspace{14mu} \left( {{lbs}\text{/}3000\mspace{14mu} {ft}^{2}} \right)} = \frac{{Weight}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {basis}\mspace{14mu} {weight}\mspace{14mu} {pad}\mspace{14mu} (g) \times 3000\mspace{14mu} {ft}^{2}}{\begin{matrix}{453.6\mspace{14mu} g\text{/}{lbs} \times 12\mspace{14mu} {samples} \times} \\\left\lbrack {12.25\mspace{14mu} {in}^{2}\mspace{14mu} {\left( {{Area}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {basis}\mspace{14mu} {weight}\mspace{14mu} {pad}} \right)/144}\mspace{14mu} {in}^{2}} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}}$${{Basis}\mspace{14mu} {Weight}\mspace{14mu} \left( {g\text{/}m^{2}} \right)} = \frac{{Weight}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {basis}\mspace{14mu} {weight}\mspace{14mu} {pad}\mspace{14mu} (g) \times 10\text{,}000\mspace{14mu} {cm}^{2}\text{/}m^{2}}{79.0321\mspace{14mu} {cm}^{2}\mspace{14mu} \left( {{Area}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {basis}\mspace{14mu} {weight}\mspace{14mu} {pad}} \right) \times 12\mspace{14mu} {samples}}$

Weight Average Molecular Weight

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of a material, such as apolymer, is determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) using amixed bed column. A high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) havingthe following components: Millenium®, Model 600E pump, system controllerand controller software Version 3.2, Model 717 Plus autosampler andCHM-009246 column heater, all manufactured by Waters Corporation ofMilford, Mass., USA, is utilized. The column is a PL gel 20 μm Mixed Acolumn (gel molecular weight ranges from 1,000 g/mol to 40,000,000g/mol) having a length of 600 mm and an internal diameter of 7.5 mm andthe guard column is a PL gel 20 μm, 50 mm length, 7.5 mm ID. The columntemperature is 55° C. and the injection volume is 200 μL. The detectoris a DAWN(O) Enhanced Optical System (EOS) including Astra® software,Version 4.73.04 detector software, manufactured by Wyatt Technology ofSanta Barbara, Calif., USA, laser-light scattering detector with K5 celland 690 nm laser. Gain on odd numbered detectors set at 101. Gain oneven numbered detectors set to 20.9. Wyatt Technology's Optilab®differential refractometer set at 50° C. Gain set at 10. The mobilephase is HPLC grade dimethylsulfoxide with 0.1% w/v LiBr and the mobilephase flow rate is 1 mL/min, isocratic. The run time is 30 minutes.

A sample is prepared by dissolving the material in the mobile phase atnominally 3 mg of material/1 mL of mobile phase. The sample is cappedand then stirred for about 5 minutes using a magnetic stirrer. Thesample is then placed in an 85° C. convection oven for 60 minutes. Thesample is then allowed to cool undisturbed to room temperature. Thesample is then filtered through a 5 μm Nylon membrane, type Spartan-25,manufactured by Schleicher & Schuell, of Keene, N.H., USA, into a 5milliliter (mL) autosampler vial using a 5 mL syringe.

For each series of samples measured (3 or more samples of a material), ablank sample of solvent is injected onto the column. Then a check sampleis prepared in a manner similar to that related to the samples describedabove. The check sample comprises 2 mg/mL of pullulan (PolymerLaboratories) having a weight average molecular weight of 47,300 g/mol.The check sample is analyzed prior to analyzing each set of samples.Tests on the blank sample, check sample, and material test samples arerun in duplicate. The final run is a run of the blank sample. The lightscattering detector and differential refractometer is run in accordancewith the “Dawn EOS Light Scattering Instrument Hardware Manual” and“Optilab® DSP Interferometric Refractometer Hardware Manual,” bothmanufactured by Wyatt Technology Corp., of Santa Barbara, Calif., USA,and both incorporated herein by reference.

The weight average molecular weight of the sample is calculated usingthe detector software. A dn/dc (differential change of refractive indexwith concentration) value of 0.066 is used. The baselines for laserlight detectors and the refractive index detector are corrected toremove the contributions from the detector dark current and solventscattering. If a laser light detector signal is saturated or showsexcessive noise, it is not used in the calculation of the molecularmass. The regions for the molecular weight characterization are selectedsuch that both the signals for the 90° detector for the laser-lightscattering and refractive index are greater than 3 times theirrespective baseline noise levels. Typically the high molecular weightside of the chromatogram is limited by the refractive index signal andthe low molecular weight side is limited by the laser light signal.

The weight average molecular weight can be calculated using a “firstorder Zimm plot” as defined in the detector software. If the weightaverage molecular weight of the sample is greater than 1,000,000 g/mol,both the first and second order Zimm plots are calculated, and theresult with the least error from a regression fit is used to calculatethe molecular mass. The reported weight average molecular weight is theaverage of the two runs of the material test sample.

Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and Modulus Test Methods

Cut at least eight 1 inch wide strips of a web material sample to betested in the machine direction. Cut at least eight 1 inch wide stripsin the cross direction. If the machine direction and cross direction arenot readily ascertainable, then the cross direction will be the stripsthat result in the lower peak load tensile.

For the actual measurements of the properties, use a Thwing-AlbertIntelect II Standard Tensile Tester (Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. ofPhiladelphia, Pa.). Insert the flat face clamps into the unit andcalibrate the tester according to the instructions given in theoperation manual of the Thwing-Albert Intelect II. Set the instrumentcrosshead speed to 4.00 in/min and the 1st and 2nd gauge lengths to 4.00inches. The break sensitivity is set to 20.0 grams and the sample widthis set to 1.00 inch. The energy units are set to TEA and the tangentmodulus (Modulus) trap setting is set to 38.1 g.

After inserting the web material sample strip into the two clamps, theinstrument tension can be monitored. If it shows a value of 5 grams ormore, the web material sample strip is too taut. Conversely, if a periodof 2-3 seconds passes after starting the test before any value isrecorded, the web material sample strip is too slack.

Start the tensile tester as described in the tensile tester instrumentmanual. When the test is complete, read and record the following withunits of measure:

Peak Load Tensile (Tensile Strength) (g/in)

Peak Elongation (Elongation) (%)

Peak CD TEA (Wet CD TEA) (in-g/in²)

Tangent Modulus (Dry MD Modulus and Dry CD Modulus) (at 15 g/cm)

Test each of the web material samples in the same manner, recording theabove measured values from each test. Average the values for eachproperty obtained from the web material samples tested to obtain thereported value for that property.

Calculations:

Geometric Mean (GM) Dry Modulus=Square Root of [Dry MD Modulus (at 15g/cm)×Dry CD Modulus (at 15 g/cm)]

Plate Stiffness Test Method

As used herein, the “Plate Stiffness” test is a measure of stiffness ofa flat sample as it is deformed downward into a hole beneath the sample.For the test, the sample is modeled as an infinite plate with thickness“t” that resides on a flat surface where it is centered over a hole withradius “R”. A central force “F” applied to the tissue directly over thecenter of the hole deflects the tissue down into the hole by a distance“w”. For a linear elastic material the deflection can be predicted by:

$w = {\frac{3F}{4\pi \; {Et}^{3}}\left( {1 - v} \right)\left( {3 + v} \right)R^{2}}$

where “E” is the effective linear elastic modulus, “v” is the Poisson'sratio, “R” is the radius of the hole, and “t” is the thickness of thetissue, taken as the caliper in millimeters measured on a stack of 5tissues under a load of about 0.29 psi. Taking Poisson's ratio as 0.1(the solution is not highly sensitive to this parameter, so theinaccuracy due to the assumed value is likely to be minor), the previousequation can be rewritten for “w” to estimate the effective modulus as afunction of the flexibility test results:

$E \approx {\frac{3R^{2}}{4t^{3}}\frac{F}{w}}$

The test results are carried out using an MTS Alliance RT/1 testingmachine (MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.) with a 100N load cell.As a stack of five tissue sheets at least 2.5-inches square sitscentered over a hole of radius 15.75 mm on a support plate, a bluntprobe of 3.15 mm radius descends at a speed of 20 mm/min. When the probetip descends to 1 mm below the plane of the support plate, the test isterminated. The maximum slope in grams of force/mm over any 0.5 mm spanduring the test is recorded (this maximum slope generally occurs at theend of the stroke). The load cell monitors the applied force and theposition of the probe tip relative to the plane of the support plate isalso monitored. The peak load is recorded, and “E” is estimated usingthe above equation.

The Plate Stiffness “S” per unit width can then be calculated as:

$S = \frac{{Et}^{3}}{12}$

and is expressed in units of Newtons-millimeters. The Testworks programuses the following formula to calculate stiffness:

S=(F/w)[(3+v)R ²/16π]

wherein “F/w” is max slope (force divided by deflection), “v” isPoisson's ratio taken as 0.1, and “R” is the ring radius.

Filament Composition Test Method

In order to prepare filaments for filament composition measurement, thefilaments must be conditioned by removing any coating compositionsand/or materials present on the external surfaces of the filaments thatare removable. An example of a method for doing so is washing thefilaments 3 times with distilled water. The filaments are then air driedat 73° F.±4° F. (about 23° C.±2.2° C.) until the filaments comprisesless than 10% moisture. A chemical analysis of the conditioned filamentsis then completed to determine the compositional make-up of thefilaments with respect to the filament-forming materials and the activeagents and the level of the filament-forming materials and active agentspresent in the filaments.

The compositional make-up of the filaments with respect to thefilament-forming material and the active agents can also be determinedby completing a cross-section analysis using TOF-SIMs or SEM. Stillanother method for determining compositional make-up of the filamentsuses a fluorescent dye as a marker. In addition, as always, amanufacturer of filaments should know the compositions of theirfilaments.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular examples and/or embodiments of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It istherefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A web material comprising one or more activeagents, wherein the web material exhibits a Basis Weight of less than500 g/m² as measured according to the Basis Weight Test Method describedherein.
 2. The web material according to claim 1 wherein one or moreactive agents are releasable from the web material when exposed toconditions of intended use.
 3. The web material according to claim 1wherein the one or more active agents comprises a surfactant.
 4. The webmaterial according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the one or moreactive agents is selected from the group consisting of: skin benefitagents, medicinal agents, lotions, fabric care agents, dishwashingagents, carpet care agents, surface care agents, hair care agents, aircare agents, and mixtures thereof.
 5. The web material according toclaim 1 wherein the web material further comprises one or morefilament-forming materials.
 6. The web material according to claim 1wherein the web material comprises a nonwoven web.
 7. The web materialaccording to claim 1 wherein the web material comprises two or moredifferent active agents.
 8. The web material according to claim 1wherein the web material further comprises a dissolution aid.
 9. The webmaterial according to claim 1 wherein the web material exhibits a watercontent of from 0% to about 20% by weight as measured according to theWater Content Test Method described herein.
 10. The web materialaccording to claim 1 wherein the web material exhibits an averagedisintegration time of less than 120 s/g as measured according to theDissolution Test Method.
 11. The web material according to claim 1wherein the web material exhibits an average dissolution time less than950 s/g as measured according to the Dissolution Test Method describedherein.
 12. A web material comprising one or more active agents, whereinthe web material exhibits a MD Peak Elongation of greater than 10% asmeasured according to the Elongation Test Method described herein. 13.The web material according to claim 12 wherein one or more active agentsare releasable from the web material when exposed to conditions ofintended use.
 14. The web material according to claim 12 wherein the oneor more active agents comprises a surfactant.
 15. The web materialaccording to claim 12 wherein at least one of the one or more activeagents is selected from the group consisting of: skin benefit agents,medicinal agents, lotions, fabric care agents, dishwashing agents,carpet care agents, surface care agents, hair care agents, air careagents, and mixtures thereof.
 16. The web material according to claim 12wherein the web material further comprises one or more filament-formingmaterials.
 17. The web material according to claim 12 wherein the webmaterial comprises a nonwoven web.
 18. The web material according toclaim 12 wherein the web material comprises two or more different activeagents.
 19. The web material according to claim 12 wherein the webmaterial further comprises a dissolution aid.
 20. The web materialaccording to claim 12 wherein the web material exhibits a water contentof from 0% to about 20% by weight as measured according to the WaterContent Test Method described herein.
 21. The web material according toclaim 12 wherein the web material exhibits an average disintegrationtime of less than 120 s/g as measured according to the Dissolution TestMethod.
 22. The web material according to claim 12 wherein the webmaterial exhibits an average dissolution time less than 950 s/g asmeasured according to the Dissolution Test Method described herein. 23.A web material comprising one or more active agents, wherein the webmaterial exhibits a GM Modulus of less than 15,000 g/cm² as measuredaccording to the Modulus Test Method described herein.
 24. The webmaterial according to claim 23 wherein one or more active agents arereleasable from the web material when exposed to conditions of intendeduse.
 25. The web material according to claim 23 wherein the one or moreactive agents comprises a surfactant.
 26. The web material according toclaim 23 wherein at least one of the one or more active agents isselected from the group consisting of: skin benefit agents, medicinalagents, lotions, fabric care agents, dishwashing agents, carpet careagents, surface care agents, hair care agents, air care agents, andmixtures thereof.
 27. The web material according to claim 23 wherein theweb material further comprises one or more filament-forming materials.28. The web material according to claim 23 wherein the web materialcomprises a nonwoven web.
 29. The web material according to claim 23wherein the web material comprises two or more different active agents.30. The web material according to claim 23 wherein the web materialfurther comprises a dissolution aid.
 31. The web material according toclaim 23 wherein the web material exhibits a water content of from 0% toabout 20% by weight as measured according to the Water Content TestMethod described herein.
 32. The web material according to claim 23wherein the web material exhibits an average disintegration time of lessthan 120 s/g as measured according to the Dissolution Test Method. 33.The web material according to claim 23 wherein the web material exhibitsan average dissolution time less than 950 s/g as measured according tothe Dissolution Test Method described herein.